Day 14 - Sunday, May 31, 2009: The Soccer Game: Flamengo v. Atletico Paranaense

by Tyler Williams

We were fortunate enough to see the return of Adriano Leite Ribeiro to his hometown team of Flamengo. He played for the Flamengo youth team prior to his senior team debut in the early 2000s, before departing for the Italian Serie A – the first division in the Italian game. Adriano played for a few teams around that league until recent spats with his now-former club, Internazionale. The problems between club and player culminated in a rescission of the contract and, for the player, a move back to the Brasilian club of his youth.

Known simply by the single name Adriano or his nickname Imperador, the Emperor, Adriano’s return to the Maracanã was a celebrated event in Rio. The papers included large pictures of the striker and articles on his return. The Flamengo supporters were anxious to see their star return to form in a Flamengo kit. The players were apparently anxious to get Adriano involved in their play as well.

The match started off with a surge of Flamengo pressure on the Atletico backline, and Flamengo’s strategy was apparent – get quality service in the box to the freshly-returned goal scorer. Adriano found himself in a great goal-scoring position just several minutes into the first half at the back corner of the 6-yard box. Vinícius Barrivieira, Atletico’s goalkeeper, had to parry away a powerful header from Adriano.

The visiting team soaked up the early pressure and exploded on a few counterattacks and even created a few half-chances. They were unable to convert on the few opportunities though. Flamengo continued to move the ball quickly around the midfield, occasionally finding the feet of their forward players. Flamengo’s wide player, Marcio Emerson Passos, known simply as Emerson, was impressive in the early stages of the match. He was making important tackles and causing fits for the Atletico defense. His hard work along the left side of the Flamengo attack paid off in the 14th minute. An attempted cross to none other than Adriano was deflected by an Atletico defender passed Barrivieira into his own goal. The Maracanã erupted.

The first half ended more quietly than it started. The play became chippy as the players fatigued, and the referee’s whistle was active. Atletico’s Rhodolfo was booked in the 45th minute, shortly before the first half ended. The players exited the field and entered the dressing rooms with Flamengo leading 1-0.

The players returned for the second half, and within the first two minutes it had happened. He scored. Flamengo’s creative misdirection in the attacking third ended up finding the 6’3” self-admittedly overweight 197 pound striker’s head. The second celebration in the stadium dwarfed the first as Adriano had his first goal in his first game back in Rio.

Atletico continued attacking at Flamengo, with the most impressive and dangerous work being performed by the winger Marcio Azevedo. He was making long runs on the flank for Atletico and in the 69th minute he hit pay dirt. Barely touching the ball out of reach of the Flamengo centre back, Azevedo was brought down in the box earning his side a penalty. His teammate Rafael Moura converted the spot kick to bring his team within one of equalizing. Atletico committed much to the attack in an attempt to draw even, and both managers made a few changes to their sides.

Flamengo, however, looked the more dangerous of the two sides after Atletico had drawn a goal back, coming close several times to shutting the door on an Atletico come back. At the end of the match, Atletico had done too little and lacked the creativity to earn a point. Flamengo were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory and earn three points in the Brasilian Campeonato.

Adriano’s return was a potential launching pad for Flamengo to make an early season run in the Campeonato. However, Flamengo currently find themselves in the 17th position out of 20 in the league earning only 7 points on 6 games. Currently the bottom dwellers in the 20 team tournament, Atletico are performing even worse with only 5 points on 7 games. Although generally league tables are said not to be too accurate until 10 matches into a season, both sides have their work cut out for them if either intends to contend for the Brasilian domestic title.