Tite wary of Flamengo threat

Tite wary of Flamengo threat

Internacional coach Tite believes Flamengo defenders Leo Moura and Juan could be the danger men in the second leg of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final on Wednesday.

Both teams will go all out for victory after a goalless first leg and Tite knows there are threats in every area of the Flamengo side.

Tite, whose side are top of the Campeonato Brasileiro after two rounds, said: "(Leo Moura and Juan) are players who take part in a lot of attacks. They're not full-backs, but wingers.

"Flamengo have a strong squad. They have been playing together for three years.

"They won three Campeonato Carioca and Leo Moura and Juan were in the national team a short time ago.

"Maybe Inter have played better football in the league, but we won't get carried away."

Flamengo midfielder Kleberson wants his team-mates to be totally focused on the midweek game following a start to the league season which has seen them claim just one point in two matches.

The 2002 World Cup winner said: "The Inter match is a different animal. We know it will be difficult because Inter have talented players.

"It will be a decisive game, the game of our lives, and we must prove we deserve to reach the final. That's why we must be strong and determined on when we step onto the pitch."

The first of this week's quarter-final games will see Coritiba and Ponte Preta play at the Estadio Antonio Couto Pereira.

The teams drew 2-2 in the first leg last week so Coritiba would progress with a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.

Vasco da Gama take a comfortable lead into their match against Vitoria, having won the first leg 4-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

Vitoria coach Paulo Cesar Carpegiani believes his side must win at home on Wednesday to salvage some pride even though progressing from the tie appears to be out of the question.

"We must win as of a matter of honour," said Carpegiani, whose side are second in the embryonic Campeonato table. "It's an important game against Vasco. Some players are banned, others injured and I have to see who can play."

Vasco defender Paulo Sergio does not want his team-mates to relax ahead of the second leg.

"Vitoria are a better side in Salvador," he said. "To qualify, we must concentrate on the field and be determined to win."

Finally in Rio de Janeiro, Fluminense will try to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Corinthians.

They play at the Maracana on Wednesday, with Ronaldo expected to start for Corinthians.

The Copa do Brasil champions will claim a place in the 2010 Copa Libertadores.


Powered by Disqus
  • Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook


standard
 

  • ESPN is a trademark of ESPN, Inc and STAR is a trademark of Star Television Productions Limited. Trademarks used under license by ESPN STAR Sports.
  • Presented by ESPN, Star Sports, Star Cricket