NEW TRIBUTE TO ZICO! UNDERSTAND WHERE THE RUBRO-NEGRO IDOL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE

This Wednesday (15), Brazil lost one of its biggest names in broadcasting: Washington Rodrigues, known affectionately as Apolinho. At the age of 87, the renowned communicator, commentator and presenter of Super Rádio Tupi, passed away at Hospital Samaritano, in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, where he was receiving treatment for cancer.

Born on the 1st September 1936, in Rio de Janeiro, Apolinho was always passionate about football. From a young age, he revealed his love for sport, organizing school trips to watch games at the recently opened Maracanã.

While working as a banker, he found time to play indoor football and, as an amateur, sent bulletins about the sport to Rádio Guanabara, which would later hire him.

The nickname Apolinho was given by Celso Garcia, in reference to the equipment used by the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission, and was soon adopted by everyone.

In the year of its centenary, in 1995, in the midst of a moment of crisis, Flamengo, with then president Kleber Leite, invited Apolinho to take over technical command and tame the attack formed by Sávio Romário and Edmundo.

On that occasion, he was runner-up in the Libertadores Super Cup. Three years later, he returned to the club in the role of technical director. Washington often referred to the episode as a “convocation.” Months later he would definitively return to the microphones at Super Rádio Tupi.

Washington Rodrigues leaves an admirable legacy, in addition to three children, seven grandchildren and a legion of fans and co-workers who considered him a true legend of the sports communication.

Flamengo took a significant step towards the round of 16 of the Libertadores by beating Bolívar 4-0, in a dominant performance at Maracanã. With this result, they took second place in group E, depending only on themselves to advance in the continental competition.

The game started with Flamengo determined to reverse their situation in the Libertadores, after two consecutive defeats. After just three minutes, Gerson opened the scoring after receiving a cross from Everton Cebolinha and finishing with precision.

Despite Flamengo's initial pressure, Bolívar tried to react and even hit a ball at Rossi's post. However, the red and black didn't give any chances and increased their advantage in the final stretch of the first half. Ayrton Lucas took advantage of a surplus in the area and scored the second goal.

In the second half, Flamengo kept the pace and didn't take long to score more. In the 33rd minute, Everton Cebolinha found the net after a beautiful pass from Pedro. And just five minutes later, Pedro scored the fourth goal, completing the rout.

With the victory, Flamengo reached seven points in five games and took second place in group E. Now, the red-black team's next challenge will be against Millonarios, from Colombia, on the 28th, at Maracanã. A new victory guarantees the team in the knockout phase of the Libertadores.

After the impressive result, coach Tite opted to make changes to the team to preserve the players, but Flamengo left the field with a convincing victory and a favorable goal difference in continental competition.

 The star was applauded by the fans, who chanted his name in a deafening chorus of "Ah, it's De La Cruz". For the fans, he was not just a player on the field, but a true inspiration, a symbol of determination and dedication.

With his masterful performance, De La Cruz was not only present on the scoreboard, but also in the hearts of the fans, who left the stadium ecstatic with their idol's performance. And no less. The player showed that he is ready for the challenges that the season holds, making it clear that he is a fundamental piece in Flamengo's tactical scheme.

In addition to the individual brilliance of De La Cruz, it is important to highlight the cohesion and efficiency of the team as a whole. From defense to attack, Flamengo appeared compact and determined, not giving space to the opponent and controlling the game from start to finish.

Now, with their eyes focused on the next challenges, < a href="https://gazetadourubu.com/noticia/flamengo-informa-leo-pereira-tem-incomodo-maior-e-deixa-o-campo-contra-o-bolivar" target="_blank">Flamengo< /a> remains firm in pursuit of its biggest goal: winning the Copa Libertadores title. And with players like De La Cruz inspiring and leading the team, the prospects for the remainder of the season are as good as possible.