The much-anticipated return of Flamengo‘s starting team after the loss of five players to the Copa America was not how the fans expected. But the poor performance was overshadowed by the score and a series of elements that stole the spotlight in the match. The
2-1 victory over Criciúma
featured a late turnaround, a goal by Gabigol, and two penalties — one of them so rare that even some players were unaware of it.
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The game-changing moment occurred at the 39th minute of the second half. Cebolinha entered the box and, as he was about to shoot, midfielder Barreto kicked a second ball on top of the one already there. Referee Maguielson Lima didn’t hesitate and awarded a penalty.
Yes, that’s right. At that moment, there was a second ball in Criciúma’s box. It had been returned from the stands by a Flamengo fan who used too much force. Up to that point, the referee hadn’t noticed it since it wasn’t interfering with the game. That is, until Cebolinha approached carrying the actual ball in play.
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In addition to lacking ethics, Barreto also showed a lack of understanding of the rule. A second ball is considered an object on the field. And when a player kicks it toward another player, an indirect free-kick should be awarded. If it happens in the box, it’s a penalty. Gabigol stepped up to take the penalty, which he did with great skill.
It was also his seventh game for Flamengo in the Brasileirão. Gabi can no longer play in the tournament for another team (besides the Copa do Brasil). Applauded at the Mané Garrincha stadium, he criticized the way the contract renewal negotiations were handled by the board. At the moment, talks are at a standstill. His contract ends at the end of the year.
— Many things were agreed upon that were not fulfilled. They did not act in a good manner with an idol — he vented, without ruling out staying in 2025. — But things are open, and anything can happen.
His goal saved Flamengo from a poor performance for most of the game. Lacking intensity and making too many mistakes in ball distribution, the team posed little real danger to the opponent. Furthermore, their insistence on playing through the central area of the field made it easy for the opposing defense. In the first half, there were only four shots on goal by Flamengo compared to seven by Criciúma, illustrating how the team from Santa Catarina was superior.
Defensively, Flamengo also struggled. They rarely pressed Criciúma’s build-up play and left too many spaces. At the 34th minute, they were punished with Rodrigo’s goal. In the play, Ayrton Lucas failed to mark Allano, as did Pedro with the goal scorer.
The team didn’t start the second half well. But their attitude changed after the 30th minute. They began to press the opponent and play at a faster pace. It’s no coincidence that the comeback happened late in the game. Pedro, who missed a penalty at the 18th minute of the second half, equalized at the 30th minute. And, nearing the end, Cebolinha won the penalty that Gabi converted.
Fonte: netfla.com.br
