Goal by Joshua, 17, guarantees Flamengo’s victory over Botafogo-PB, in Maranhão, in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil.
Flamengo won 1-0 against Botafogo-PB, this Thursday (1/5), at Castelão, in São Luís (MA), in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil. The Rio de Janeiro team took to the field with an alternative lineup and won with a goal by debutant Joshua, 17, in the 39th minute of the second half.
The return match between the teams will be on May 21, at Maracanã. The red-and-blacks can draw and advance in the Copa do Brasil. For the Paraíba team, only a victory by two goals will guarantee the team in the next phase.
The game
Flamengo started the match putting pressure on Botafogo-PB. However, the first good chance only came in the ninth minute, when Plata headed the ball, but Michael Fracaro made a good save. Michael then made an individual play and shot dangerously.
Botafogo-PB managed to escape the red-and-black pressure and started to attack, but they were lacking in their final pass. Flamengo threatened again in the 29th minute. Bruno Henrique received the ball in the area and shot, but Michael Fracaro saved it. Luiz Araújo dove to get the rebound and sent it over the crossbar.
The team from Rio had the best chance to open the scoring in the 34th minute. Michael received a pass in the small area, but missed the target and shot over the goal line. The game continued in the final minutes. In injury time, the home team threatened with a shot by Gabriel Honório.
Thus, the match remained even until half-time. Just like in the first half, Flamengo started the second half on the attack. The red-and-blacks almost scored in the sixth minute, with a header from Evertton Araújo. Then, Juninho shot from outside the area, the goalkeeper rebounded and Bruno Henrique finished, but Michael Fracaro saved it. Botafogo-PB only started to attack in the 25th minute.
Erick was released, but kicked the ball across the goal line. Flamengo kept possession of the ball, but only threatened again in the 36th minute. Ayrton Lucas made an individual play and shot from outside the area close to the Paraíba goal. In the final minutes, the Rio de Janeiro team increased the pressure and scored the winning goal in the 39th minute. Juninho took advantage of a cross and headed the ball, which Michael Fracaro saved. But Joshua appeared to send it into the net and seal Flamengo’s victory in São Luís.
