World Cup 2025: FIFA demands and fields will have the same size as the World Cup; Flamengo is classified

Flamengo is going through the most complicated period of the season. Under Tite's command, the club won the Campeonato Carioca undefeated, but is now at risk of elimination in the Libertadores and could definitively distance itself from the fight for the Brasileirão title this Sunday (22). Rubro-Negro will face Grêmio at 6:30 pm with a reserve team at Arena do Grêmio. However, the board, for now, does not intend to change the technical committee.

According to the portal 'UOL', Flamengo's board understands that firing Tite at this time would be repeating mistakes made in previous seasons, like in 2023, when the club had three different coaches and didn't win titles. However, a defeat to Grêmio, followed by an elimination in the Libertadores against Peñarol next Thursday, could change the scenario.

On the other hand, there is already a consensus between the parties that a renewal of Tite's contract for 2025 is unlikely. On December 9th, Flamengo will have elections, and the favorites do not consider the coach's stay for next year. Tite himself is aware that he failed to win favor with the fans. In the 1-0 defeat to Peñarol, he was the target of insults at Maracanã.

With the expectation of reversing the score against Peñarol in Uruguay, Tite decided to spare the entire starting squad in the match against Grêmio. Therefore, the team that will take the field will have the following formation: Matheus Cunha, Wesley, David Luiz, Cleiton, Ayrton Lucas, Everton Araújo, Allan, Alcaraz, Lorran, Matheus Gonçalves and Carlinhos.

On the day 26, Flamengo will face Peñarol away from home, needing to win 2-0 to advance to the Libertadores semi-final.

In a joint decision between the board and technical committee, Flamengo chose to leave 12 players out of the delegation that traveled this Saturday to Rio Grande do Sul for the clash against Grêmio, in the Brazilian Championship. The measure aims to prioritize the return game of the Libertadores quarter-finals, against Peñarol, which will take place next Thursday, in Montevideo.

With these absences, coach Tite included 10 under-20 players on the list of related to the match in Porto Alegre. Among them is Felipe Teresa, who stood out when he scored the intercontinental title goal in the second half, after a great assist from Wallace Yan. The goal sealed Flamengo's 2-1 victory over Olympiacos on August 24.

Wallace, in fact, was the top scorer in the Copa Conmebol Libertadores Sub-20, won in March with a victory of 2-1 comeback against Boca Juniors. He shared the tournament's top scorer title with defender Iago, captain of the under-20 team, but took the trophy for scoring four goals in fewer minutes played.

Caio Barone (goalkeeper, 18 years old): At Flamengo since under-12, he started as a defender in a sieve at Santos, but was convinced by his parents to become a goalkeeper. He was South American champion with the Brazilian under-17 team.

Daniel Sales (right-back, 18 years old): He joined Flamengo for the under-16s in 2022, coming from Ibrachina, in São Paulo. . He stands out for his physical strength.

Iago (defender, 19 years old): Born in Volta Redonda, he has been at Flamengo since he was 14 years old. Captain at base, he is known for his leadership and was part of a victorious generation in the under-17s in 2021.

Carbone (defender, 19 years old): Grandson of former player and coach of the Brazilian national team José Luiz Carbone arrived at Flamengo as a left-back. After a serious injury, he stood out in the Copinha and was taken to the pre-season in the USA.

Ainoã (left-back, 19 years old): Recent reinforcement from Vitória, has already been called up to the Brazilian team base.

Luis Aucélio (midfielder, 18 years old): At Flamengo since the under-15s, he is a midfielder with good vision of the game and also participated in the pre-season in the USA.

Rayan Lucas (midfielder, 19 years old): Born in Complexo da Penha, he has been at Flamengo since he was 10 years old and has always stood out in the youth teams.

Pedro Leão (attacking midfielder, 18 years old) : Born in Niterói, the young attacking midfielder has already played for the Brazilian under-16 and under-17 teams. He has been at the club since under-10 and also participated in the pre-season in the USA. as well as the ends. He was the scorer of the intercontinental title goal against Olympiacos.

Wallace Yan (striker, 19 years old): Carioca, he joined Flamengo from Ferroviária, from São Paulo, and is known for his versatility in attack. He directly participated in 20% of the under-20 goals in 2024.

Flamengo beat Philadelphia Union 2-0 this Sunday and started the pre-season in the United States well. Rookie of the day, midfielder De La Cruz spoke to the press in the mixed zone and commented on adapting to the new club.

“I will try to adapt as quickly as possible to the group and to the positions in general. The group received me very well, they accompanied me in those days, in those first days. I think this will be important for my adaptation, which today is essential for me and being able to help the team in the best possible way”, said the Uruguayan.

In addition to passes and finishing, De La Cruz brought a lot of dynamism for Flamengo with Arrascaeta. The Uruguayans understood each other and promise to be starters alongside Erick Pulgar and Gerson in the future. Eight minutes into the second half, Nico managed to make a quick cross, aiming for Gabigol. But Philadelphia's defense kept it away. At 12, Gabigol reciprocated and played for De La Cruz who came from behind. The midfielder shot firmly, but the goalkeeper saved it for a corner.

It didn't take long for De La Cruz to also show his credentials on the dead ball. The Uruguayan took a free kick from the midfielder with great danger. The ball passed close to the opponent's goal. Present at the stadium, Mengão fans shouted: “Uh”, and then called out the name of the newest red-black reinforcement.

Flamengo's first signing in 2024, De La Cruz will not be the first Uruguayan to arrive this year. Over the weekend, the club agreed to sign left-back Matias Viña from Roma. Therefore, Viña will join De La Cruz, Arrascaeta and Varela, forming the famous ‘FlaUruguay’.

Fla's next match will be against Orlando City, on the 27th. Flamengo will now return to play in the United States next Saturday, when they face Orlando City. On the same day, Mais Querido also plays in the Campeonato Carioca, where they face Portuguesa.