South American Dispatch: Flamengo Flee Rio Ahead Of Title Decider

Goal.com’s Tim Sturtridge reports on Flamengo’s search for peace, Fluminense striker Fred's desire to finish the job and Estudiantes' squad for the Club World Cup...

Nov 30, 2009 6:21:08 PM

Jose Sosa - Estudiantes de La Plata (AFP)

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Jose Sosa - Estudiantes de La Plata (AFP)

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The top brass at Flamengo have decided that the team should head away from the city of Rio de Janeiro in the run up to their title decider at home to Gremio.

According to Flamengo’s vice-president Marcos Braz it will benefit the squad to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city as they prepare for Sunday’s crunch game.

"Flamengo is going through an electoral process and this should not interfere with the team’s preparation for the weekend," Marcos Braz said. "We are now so close to a title that we have not won in a long time that I think it makes perfect sense to leave the city of Rio."

It looks likely that Adriano and company will head towards Granja Comar in the city of Teresopolis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo know the facility well as they regularly use it for pre-season training. Granja Comar is also the base of the Brazilian national team when they meet up in their homeland.

Head coach Andrade however does not believe that the sense of euphoria currently being enjoyed by Flamengo fans could possibly have a negative effect on the team.

"It is normal that the fans are excited but we know we have not won anything yet," Andrade said. "For now only a place in the Copa Libertadores is guaranteed. We can not call ourselves champions just yet."

Fred Salutes The Fans Of Fluminense

Fluminense finally pulled away from the Brazilian top flight’s drop zone at the weekend thanks to their terrific form in the second half of the season. Their latest win came courtesy of a 4-0 home victory over Vitoria.

Striker Fred has claimed it is the strength of the crowd that has given the team the confidence to string together their remarkable run of form. Fred grabbed his 12th goal of the season in the 4-0 win over Vitoria.

"We just have to congratulate and give merit to the crowd who have provided great support to us. For more than 20 rounds we have been playing with a motto," Fred said. "The crowd put up a banner in the stands of the Maracana which we have used as an example." The banner simply reads 'Fight to the End'.

Sunday’s win made it ten games unbeaten in the league for Fluminense and the team’s upturn in fortunes has coincided with Fred’s return to fitness. The former Lyon hitman could not deny he is really enjoying his football.

"It’s a wonderful moment in time. The form of Conca, myself, Alan and the whole team is so good right now," Fred added.

Before Fluminense travel to Coritiba, another relegation threatened side, at the weekend they have the small distraction of the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana final with Liga de Quito. Fred will have his work cut out with the rest of his team if Fluminense are to overcome Liga de Quito’s 5-1 advantage from the first leg.

Sabella Packs Sosa Despite FIFA Ruling

Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella has named his squad for the Club World Cup which kicks off in Abu Dhabi on December 9.

Sabella had a place in his squad freed up last week when veteran striker Jose Luis Calderon announced his retirement in the run up to the tournament. The manager has decided to fill the space created by Calderon’s decision with on loan midfielder Jose Sosa.

Sosa has been loaned to Estudiantes from Bayern Munich but the Argentine club have already been told by FIFA that the player will not be allowed to represent them in the Club World Cup. The team from La Plata are now expected to lobby FIFA again in the hope that Sosa will be allowed on to the pitch in the Middle East.

Estudiantes’ first game in the competition will be on December 15 when they will take on either TP Mazembe of Congo or Pohang Steelers of South Korea in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Damian Albil, Cesar Taborda, Roberto Fernandez

Defenders: Clemente Rodriguez, German Re, Agustin Alayes, Christian Cellay, Leandro Desabato, Marcos Rojo, Juan Manuel Diaz

Midfielders: Enzo Perez, Maximiliano Nunez, Matias Sanchez, Juan Sebastian Veron, Leandro Benitez, Marcelo Carrusca, Juan Huerta, Jose Sosa

Forwards: Mauro Boselli, Juan Manuel Salgueiro, Jeronimo Morales Neuman, Leandro Gonzalez.

Tim Sturtridge, Goal.com

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