Flamengo Should Beat Bolognesi, Easy Peasy.

By: Mauro | April 23rd, 2008

Clube de Ragatas do Flamengo vs. Coronel Bolognesi FC (Estadio Maracaná, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Tape delay at 1:00am Thursday the 24th on Fox Sports Español.

Group 4 have Flamengo sitting on top with only one point separating themselves from Nacional de Montevideo. Historically in this competition, Flamengo have not been much to report about. But with the likes of Marcinho, this year the team has performed quite well in their group and have one foot in the next round.

Still, the outlook is not rosy at Flamengo. The players aren’t exactly getting along (Juan and Leonardo Moura got into a tussle during training) but that hasn’t affected their on-pitch performance. And coach Joel Santana has said he is leaving the club at the end of the month to possibly join the South African National team as their coach to replace Carlos Alberto Parreira, who quit to be near his wife who was diagnosed with cancer.

Renato Augusto will not play on Wednesday, Ibson is also in doubt due to soreness in his leg. Goal-keeper Bruno has been complaining about back problems as well, but is confirmed in the starting line up for tonight’s match.

With decisive wins at home and a resounding win away to Cienciano (3-0) in the last week of competition in this group have Flamengo looking good for the next round. They haven’t equaled their points production from last year’s participation but then they were eliminated in the knock out round despite being so strong in the group stage.

What can be said with conviction, is that Bolognesi is eliminated and has no chance of advancing either. Should they win, they could ruin the Brazilians party, but it is not likely. In their first participation in the Copa Libertadores, they managed two draws (both at home) and lost one at home and two away matches.

Bolognesi have failed to score a single goal in this competition. Their strong suit was almost always playing at home and using the altitude of their stadium to their advantage. Away from home they lack a bit of that strength.

Bottom Line: Bolognesi are filling out the group here. Flamengo should make short work of them, especially in Rio. My pick: 3-0 to Fla. No contest.

Check the CONMEBOL website for Group 4 standings and results.