Soccer

ZICO CRITICIZES THE ABSENCE OF AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF FLAMENGO IN THE BRAZILIAN SELECTION

Zico praised Dorival Júnior, but understands that Pedro, Flamengo's top scorer in 2024, has a place in the Brazilian team

Photo: Reproduction
Photo: Reproduction

03 Mar 2024 | 18:37 |

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On the day he turns 71, Zico participated in the program "Domingol com Benja" and commented on Dorival Júnior's first call-up to the Brazilian national team. Greatest idol in the history of Flamengo, Galinho stated that the only name missing from the list was Pedro, Rubro's top scorer. Negro in 2024, and placed the striker above Richarlison.


“I think the only player he could have taken is Pedro. I don't see any player with Pedro's characteristics in the national team. The most similar is Richarlison who, in my opinion, lately has not been the Richarlison we expect in the Seleção. Alex once said a very important phrase: 'Often they are not the best, but the players the coach trusts.' Most of them come from the club, so there is that feeling of knowing the day to day life and the possibility of the player being called up. is bigger.”




EVEN WITHOUT PEDRO, ZICO LIKED THE CALL

However, despite thinking that Pedro has a place in the national team, Zico paid respect to coach Dorival Júnior's call-up. Galinho praised new names that are highlighted in European football and the number of players on the list who play in Brazil, which includes Ayrton Lucas, Flamengo's left-back.


“As are friendly games. I think it's an opportunity for these players. He is bringing new names, players who are standing out in European football and a good number of Brazilian football players as well. We have to respect it. I have always respected the call-up and the choice of coaches. In the end, they decide, if things don't go well, they suffer. So, you have every right to choose the players”, said Zico, before completing with praise for Dorival:

“I really liked him, I think above all because of his character and the way he behaves as a player. soccer coach. Deserve the opportunity for your achievements. I'm a big fan of him, I know him well, I'm his friend. I hope it works out very well and helps Brazilian fans to regain confidence in the Brazilian team.”







Soccer

Flamengo's rival, Estudiantes, has had an uneven season away from home.

With a poor performance away from the field, the Argentine team tries to stop Mengão's momentum in the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals

Estudiantes tries to surprise Flamengo at Maracanã in the Libertadores quarterfinals, despite having an inconsistent away record - photo: reproduction
Estudiantes tries to surprise Flamengo at Maracanã in the Libertadores quarterfinals, despite having an inconsistent away record - photo: reproduction

16 Set 2025 | 18:59 |

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Estudiantes faces Flamengo this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores . The Argentine club arrives under pressure due to irregular results in the season and seeks to rediscover the good football of the beginning of the year to overcome one of the strongest teams in Brazil.


In 2025, the La Plata team played 36 matches, totaling 15 wins, eight draws, and 13 losses, with 42 goals scored and 40 conceded, a success rate of just over 49%. Away from home, the record is even more challenging: in 18 away matches, they have recorded just five wins, four draws, and nine losses.


On the other hand, Flamengo has maintained a solid performance at Maracanã , where they have lost only four times this season, only two of which have come against the main team. This makes the match even more difficult for the Argentine team, which will need to overcome one of the most intense atmospheres on the continent.


STUDENTS COUNT ON STRENGTH IN ARGENTINA

While performance away from La Plata is a concern, Estudiantes ' home record is positive. In 17 matches, they've won nine, drawn four, and lost four . This home strength could be an asset in the return leg, but first, the team needs to contain Flamengo 's momentum in Rio de Janeiro.


HISTORY IN THE LIBERTADORES

A traditional Libertadores champion, Estudiantes shares the title with River Plate as the most successful Argentine team in the competition and demonstrates experience in knockout stages. In the current edition, they lost only two matches in the group stage, against Universidad de Chile and Botafogo. In the round of 16, they eliminated Cerro Porteño after a 1-0 away win and a 0-0 draw in the return leg in La Plata.


Soccer

Sold out! Check out the latest partial ticket sales for Flamengo vs. Estudiantes.

Rubro-Negro begins its quest for a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals with sold-out tickets and a massive fan presence; the team has returns

Flamengo faces Estudiantes with sold-out tickets, important returns and major absences at Maracanã - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Estudiantes with sold-out tickets, important returns and major absences at Maracanã - photo: reproduction

16 Set 2025 | 18:35 |

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Flamengo begins its journey towards the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores this Thursday (18) . The first leg against Estudiantes (ARG) will be held at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), and will have a full house.


All tickets were sold in advance, guaranteeing an estimated attendance of around 69,000. The expectation is that the Red-Black Nation will fill every section of the stadium , transforming the Maracanã into a cauldron to push the team toward victory.


IMPORTANT RETURNS


The team will have important reinforcements. Striker Bruno Henrique and full-back Varela , who were absent last Sunday (14) against Juventude, in the Brazilian Championship , trained normally this Tuesday (16) and should be available to the coach again.

MAJOR SHORTAGES


Despite their returns, Rubro-Negro will remain without midfielder Jorginho, full-back Alex Sandro, and defensive midfielder Pulgar , who are still recovering. The likely lineup for the game includes: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Saúl, De La Cruz (Allan), Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino, and Pedro.

LIVE BROADCAST

Fans will be able to watch the match live on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming). The second leg will be held next week in La Plata, Argentina, and will determine who advances to the semifinals.


Soccer

Saúl Ñíguez stands out at Flamengo and receives praise from the Spanish press

Signed at zero cost, the Spaniard quickly gained a place in Mais Querido, receiving praise from the Spanish press for his recent performances.

Saúl Ñíguez is consolidating his position at Flamengo, receiving praise from the Spanish press and expected to start against Estudiantes - photo: reproduction
Saúl Ñíguez is consolidating his position at Flamengo, receiving praise from the Spanish press and expected to start against Estudiantes - photo: reproduction

16 Set 2025 | 18:12 |

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Despite being signed only in the last transfer window, Saúl Ñíguez has already become one of the most important players in Flamengo's squad . The Spanish midfielder arrived at the club on a free transfer and quickly established himself in the starting lineup.


Spanish newspaper Marca highlighted the athlete's rapid adaptation. " The former Atlético de Madrid player arrived at Flamengo with the mission of becoming an important player and maintaining a prominent role in the starting lineup . His adaptation didn't take long," the publication reported.


PRAISE FROM THE SPANISH PRESS


According to the publication, Saúl is experiencing "a second youth" in Brazilian football and has already established himself as a key midfielder. Despite only registering one assist in eight games , he has played a more defensive role in Filipe Luís's team.

In the victory over Juventude, in the Brazilian Championship , Saúl started alongside Allan in midfield and provided the assist for Arrascaeta's goal in the 31st minute of the first half.


FLAMENGO COUNTS ON SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, to face Estudiantes, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Saúl Ñíguez should once again be among the starters for the red-black team.


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