Leeds United will pray that they can get over their playoff jinx this coming Sunday, knowing that they're just one nerve-wracking game away from soaring back up to the Premier League.

The Whites have never tasted success in the form of promotion from their past five playoff campaigns, always coming unstuck in the lottery that knockout format can be, with their most recent exit coming in 2019 at the semi-final stages courtesy of Frank Lampard's Derby County.

This curse could be lifted at Wembley this weekend, however, with the Whites wanting to press on with multiple incomings through the door if promotion is dramatically sealed against Southampton.

Leeds could ambitiously get a deal over the line for this Glen Kamara replacement if Premier League football does return to West Yorkshire, with the target in question a familiar face to Wilfried Gnonto already.

Leeds' search for a midfielder

Leeds would show they mean business after clinching a return to the top-flight by signing AS Roma star Edoardo Bove, with the 22-year-old making waves in the first-team at Roma this season under the tutelage of former midfield brute turned boss, Daniele De Rossi.

A report earlier in May from Giallorossi.net first hinted at the promotion-chasers being interested in the services of Bove, with a further update from TEAMTalk in the past few days claiming that scouts from Leeds were in the Italian capital watching the midfielder recently.

Failing to hold down a consistent first-team spot in the latter stages of the Serie A campaign despite impressing, with a number of cameos off the bench limiting Bove to 30 appearances in the league, Leeds know they would have to win promotion still in order to get the Italian to sign on the dotted line and join in the summer.

Valued at a high £15m, according to Football Transfers, the 5 foot 10 midfielder would certainly be a statement signing and a switch he could welcome to play alongside former Italy U21 teammate Gnonto in England.

How Bove would suit Leeds

Described as being a "box-crashing threat" by football analyst Ben Mattinson during his rise at the Stadio Olimpico, Bove might well forcibly take Kamara's spot in the Leeds first-team off him if signed, with Bove giving the Whites more grit and tenacity centrally to try and compete and battle better in the higher-up division.

Equally given glowing praise by former Roma manager Jose Mourinho for always "giving everything", Leeds fans would take no time at all to grow fond of Bove's commitment levels for his new team if signed.

The Roma number 52 would win five ground duels on the final day of Serie A action against Genoa, on top of being fouled four times, as a tenacious presence in the middle of the park that Leeds could well desire when up against it in the top division.

Stat – per 90 mins

Bove

Kamara

Passes attempted

39.22

65.01

Pass completion %

82.7%

92.7%

Progressive passes

3.84

6.87

Progressive carries

0.85

1.57

Tackles

3.14

1.27

Interceptions

0.71

1.10

Blocks

1.27

0.70

Aerials won

1.66

0.70

Excelling more in the combative elements of a midfielder's game compared to Kamara, as can be seen above, the 22-year-old would be a worthwhile signing to make in order to make the Whites more forceful as opposed to passive in the middle of the park next season.

Gruev can always take over the reins from Kamara with his similarly measured approach on the ball – with the Bulgarian misplacing just two passes in Leeds' second leg success over Norwich City recently – as Bove then slots into the team nicely next to the ex-Werder Bremen man.

Leeds will know giving time to raw Italian gems can work, seen in Gnonto's nine goals this season for Daniel Farke's men, and so will hope this approach is successful again in swooping for the lively 22-year-old.

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Crystal Palace are chasing experience in midfield this summer, and are stepping up their pursuit of a player Oliver Glasner has worked with before in a bid to solve that.

Glasner spearheading Palace revival

There is a feel-good factor back at Selhurst Park, and it is largely thanks to new boss Glasner. After a mixed start, he has turned Crystal Palace's fortunes around, with their latest Premier League win, 2-0 against Newcastle, their third consecutive win and lifting them into mid-table.

The 49-year-old has combined exciting attacking play with solidity at the back and has helped supercharge Jean-Philippe Mateta in front of goal, with the Frenchman having grabbed his seventh and eighth goals under Glasner against the Magpies.

With the Austrian tactician in charge, the Eagles are scoring more, conceding fewer and picking up more points on average than they managed under Roy Hodgson's tenure this season.

But there remains concern in the longer run, with talismanic pair Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise both wanted by clubs in the top six and Palace's attempt to ward this off with a £60m price tag on each unlikely to deter many.

Beyond that, clubs have also shown an interest in defender Marc Guehi, who is recovering from injury and set to be on show at EURO 2024. It could be a summer of change in south London therefore, and Steve Parish is looking to add a former Glasner player in a bid to combat that.

Crystal Palace eyeing Kamada move

That comes in the form of Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada, who turned 93 times for Glasner when the pair worked together at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 25 goals and registering 12 assists.

The midfielder left Frankfurt over the summer as a free agent, penning a lucrative £63k per week deal with Serie A side Lazio. However, the season had not gone to plan under Mauricio Sarri, with Kamada making just eight starts before the Lazio boss was let go.

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Since his departure, however, the Japanese international has played more frequently, starting each of the last four Serie A outings for Lazio and grabbing his first assist since September in their most recent win over Genoa.

And as per Corriere dello Sport, new Lazio boss Igor Tudor "would like to convince him to stay" at the club and continue his form in Rome. However, there is interest from Crystal Palace, who are "serious" about signing the 27-year-old and reuniting him with Glasner for the new season.

Any decision reportedly has to be made by May 30th, with the decision to extend Kamada's deal at Lazio thought to be one that rests with the player.

It remains to be seen whether or not the lure of Premier League football under one of his former coaches is enough to turn his head, but it certainly seems as though Palace are keen on the deal, which could see them add an experienced head for next to nothing.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to return for a player that they missed out on in January, and are ready to make another offer for him.

Forest fighting for Premier League survival

It has been largely a season to forget for Nottingham Forest and current boss Nuno Espírito Santo, but they look the most likely candidates to avoid relegation this season nonetheless. After news broke of their points deduction appeal being thrown out by the Premier League, they remain firmly in a battle for Premier League survival heading into the final weeks of the season.

Forest under Nuno Espírito Santo

Games

24

Wins

7

Goals scored per game

1.63

Goals conceded per game

1.75

Points per game

1.13

But with two games to play, a single win would all but assure their safety thanks to a superior goal difference to Luton Town and Burnley, while four points would mathematically ensure it. A draw for Forest and defeats for Luton and Burnley would again ensure that Forest are playing top level flight next season.

They have the perfect opportunity to ensure that too, with their final game seeing them take on Burnley in a fixture that falls firmly into the "must not lose" category at present, rather than a must win for Nuno's side.

The summer promises to be tricky amid financial fair play concerns, and they may see bright sparks such as Murillo or Morgan Gibbs-White head for pastures new, but that will not stop them from spending. Now, they have been linked with a new move for a long-term target.

Another change between the posts

This comes in the shape of Las Palmas shot-stopper Alvaro Valles, who has once again been linked with a City Ground switch. The 26-year-old, who Forest saw a €20m bid knocked back for in January, has established himself as a key part of his side's success this season.

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The Premier League side ultimately signed Matz Sels from Strasbourg after losing faith in both Matt Turner and summer addition Odysseas Vlachodimos, but reports in Spain claim that they remain keen on Valles, and may even have made a second bid already.

Indeed, it is added that a move this summer is likely for the Spanish shot-stopper, due to the fact that his £2,000 per week contract expires in 2025, and Forest are dubbed the "main interested party".

In fact, they claim that the City Ground outfit have "already contacted" with an offer of around 20m euros, though it is unclear whether this is a fresh offer or the same one as was tabled in January. Of course, any deal of that size seems likely to depend on the division Forest find themselves in next season, making it unlikely that they would be willing to make any concrete bids for players without that certainty first.

However, if they confirm Premier League survival, could they be about to try and sign a fourth goalkeeper in as many transfer windows?

رد وكيل المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر للشباب عام 2005، روجيرو ميكالي، على أنباء إقالته من تدريب الفراعنة بعد أقل من شهرين فقط بسبب الراتب المرتفع.

وخرجت بعض الأنباء في الأيام القليلة الماضية التي تفيد أن هناك تفكيرًا من قبل مجلس الإدارة المقبل للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة، هاني أبو ريدة، برحيل ميكالي.

وكان ميكالي يقود في الفترة الماضية منتخب مصر الأولمبي ووصل إلى دور نصف النهائي من أولمبياد باريس قبل الخروج على يد فرنسا ثم بهزيمة مُذلة بنتيجة 6-0 في لقاء الميدالية البرونزية.

ولكن بعد مفاوضات مع الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم توصل ميكالي لاتفاق بالاستمرار وقيادة منتخب مواليد عام 2005.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ميكالي: اللاعب المصري يتميز بشيء غير موجود في أي لاعب بالعالم

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع كايو زيلر وكيل ميكالي للحديث عن تلك الأنباء، وقال: “لقد سمعت هذه الأنباء من بعض الأصدقاء في مصر ولكن لم يكن هناك أي تواصل من اتحاد الكرة”.

وتابع: “العقد الموقع بيننا وبين الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ساري المفعول بكامل شروطه وجميع الأطراف وافقت على ذلك”.

وأضاف: “هذا مشروع طويل الأمد استعدادًا لدورة الألعاب الأولمبية المقبلة في لوس أنجلوس، لقد بدأ ميكالي عمله للتو”.

وأتم: “يجب أن يعلم الجميع أيضًا أن هناك قيمة شرط جزائي كبيرة للغاية في حالة فسخ العقد”.

Victor Boniface explained that his bizarre goal celebration during Bayer Leverkusen's win was inspired by a "TikTok trend" in Nigeria.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Leverkusen beat Hoffenheim 4-1
• Boniface struck a brace
• His celebration got everyone talking

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leverkusen were in top form during the match, and by the 30th minute they had already established a 2-0 lead. Boniface played a crucial role in his team’s early dominance, assisting Martin Terrier’s opening goal before finding the back of the net himself to inspire his team to a 4-1 victory.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After scoring the first goal, Boniface surprised fans and viewers by pulling his shorts down in celebration, a moment that quickly went viral. Following the game, Boniface explained the thinking behind his unexpected celebration, attributing it to a popular social media trend in his home country of Nigeria.

• WHAT BONIFACE SAID

  After the match, Boniface clarified that the gesture was not meant to offend or provoke anyone. “I didn’t want to provoke anyone,” he said. “I did it in front of our fans. It’s a TikTok trend by a big influencer in Nigeria. I promised him that I would cheer so much, I just hadn’t scored yet.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  With this victory, Leverkusen returned to winning ways in the Bundesliga campaign, as they aim to defend their league title. They will next turn their attention to their UEFA Champions League fixture against Feyenoord on Thursday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em partida válida pela 13ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro 2021, Palmeiras e Fluminense se enfrentam neste sábado (24), às 19h (horário de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo-SP.

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Líder do Brasileirão com 28 pontos conquistados, o Verdão vem de vitória sobre o Atlético-GO, por 3 a 0, em Goiânia. O Tricolor carioca, por sua vez, ocupa a nona posição da competição nacional com 17 pontos e, na última rodada, foi derrotado para o Grêmio por 1 a 0, no Rio de Janeiro.

O zagueiro Luan e o atacante Rony avançaram em seus cronogramas de recuperação e deram início à transição física com trabalhos em separado no gramado da Academia de Futebol. Já o atacante Luiz Adriano, em tratamento de um edema no joelho direito, cumpriu seu cronograma individual com atividades na parte interna e também exercícios de corrida no campo. O Palmeiras também não terá o técnico Abel Ferreira no banco de reservas em decorrência do terceiro cartão amarelo tomado na vitória sobre o Atlético-GO na última rodada.

Veja a tabela completa do Brasileirão

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Depois do adiamento da partida diante do Cerro Porteño (PAR) na Libertadores, o Fluminense, enfim, teve uma semana completa de treinos. O atacante Fred deve ser uma das novidades após se recuperar de um edema na coxa direita. Abel Hernández foi julgado pelo STJD após expulsão, mas já cumpriu a suspensão e está liberado. O Flu tenta se recuperar de uma derrota para o Grêmio em casa para subir na classificação.

Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Horário, transmissão, arbitragem, prováveis escalações: os dados de Palmeiras x Fluminense

Data: 24 de Julho de 2021, sábado
Horário: 19h (horário de Brasília)
Local: Allianz Parque, em São Paulo-SP
Árbitro: Sávio Pereira Sampaio-DF
Assistentes: Daniel Henrique da Silva Andrade-DF e Jose Reinaldo Nascimento Júnior-DF
VAR:Elmo Alves Resende Cunha-GO, Leone Carvalho Rocha-GO e José Antonio Chaves Franco Filho-RS

Transmissão:
–PREMIERE(pay-per-view para todo o Brasil);
–TEMPO REALdoNOSSO PALESTRApeloTWITTERe peloSITE.

PALMEIRAS: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Felipe Melo, Gustavo Gómez e Renan; Danilo, Zé Rafael, Gustavo Scarpa e Raphael Veiga; Wesley e Deyverson.Técnico:João Martins

Desfalques: Gabriel Menino (Seleção Olímpica), Luiz Adriano (edema no joelho direito), Luan (transição física) e Rony (transição física);
Suspensos: Abel Ferreira (3º Amarelo);
Pendurados:Gabriel Menino, Danilo, Breno Lopes e Renan;
Voltam de suspensão:Jailson (3º Amarelo);

FLUMINENSE:Marcos Felipe; Samuel Xavier, Manoel, Luccas Claro e Egídio; Martinelli, Yago Felipe e Nenê; Caio Paulista, Gabriel Teixeira e Fred.Técnico:Roger Machado

Desfalques: Hudson (lesão ligamentar) e Nino (Seleção Olímpica);
Suspensos:Ninguém;
Pendurados:Lucca, Luiz Henrique, Abel Hernández e Roger Machado;
Voltam de suspensão:Ninguém;

‘Opt in’ system likely after some players express health concerns

George Dobell15-Jun-2020

Some county clubs could be off furlough and back in training within days as preparations for the domestic season move up a gear.With an August 1 start date looking more likely than ever, several clubs are keen to give their players – and their bowlers in particular – six weeks’ preparation time. Lancashire and Surrey, the only two clubs that did not put their players on furlough, are already training, with the likes of Worcestershire hoping to join them from June 22.Other clubs, such as Somerset, are looking at bringing their players off furlough for July 1.ALSO READ: County Championship could include Lord’s final with hopes for August 1 startThe next step is for the ECB to provide more guidance towards a return and confirm funding. Counties have already been paid all the money due from the ECB until the end of July. It is anticipated that in Wednesday’s chairmen’s meeting, confirmation will be provided of full funding until the end of the year. That meeting is also likely to see the counties given the go-ahead to return to training within appropriate health and safety guidelines.With some players – particularly those who have pregnant partners – expressing concerns over the health implications of a return, it is likely an ‘opt in’ system will be operated. This will see all players who are prepared to play completing a questionnaire confirming their choice. It will be an ‘opt in’ rather than an ‘opt out’ system to minimise the sense that players are being coerced to return against their will. There will be no repercussions for those who do not return but, with contracts at stake and places to fight for, players will inevitably feel some pressure.It also seems likely that players will be asked to return to training without the restoration of their full pay. In most cases, players have accepted a temporary 20 percent pay cut in recognition of the financial challenges currently facing the sport. While this policy will be reviewed in the coming weeks, there appears to be something of a consensus building that suggests the policy will continue for a little while yet. It could be changed if, as hoped, counties are able to welcome specators to their grounds when the Blast season begins at the end of August.The exact shape of the domestic season remains unclear. While the PGG (Professional Game Group) remain keen on starting the season with four-day cricket – it seems certain several of the bigger clubs will play first-class cricket against one another come what may – logistical issues around the booking of hotels could yet see 50-over cricket as the first format to return.It also seems increasingly likely that all 18 first-class counties will be involved. It would appear that those clubs which were reluctant to play have had a sharp reality check in recent days, with the ferocity of the response from the majority of their rivals leaving them under no illusions that, if they opted out now, they may find it hard to opt back in.On Monday even Northants, perhaps the most reluctant of all to this point, released a statement in which their chief executive, Ray Payne, insisted he had “always” wanted “to play as much cricket as we can this year”. It seems pressure from players and supporters may have helped convince them.Clubs remain hopeful that spectators will be allowed to watch games. With pubs and restaurants likely to open in some capacity from July 4, counties hope that by the time the T20 Blast season starts around 11 weeks from now, at least some ticket holders will be permitted to attend.

Gary Ballance is dealing with “heightened feelings of anxiety and stress” related to the coronavirus lockdown in the UK and won’t be available for selection, his county, Yorkshire, have said.Ballance recently suffered from a viral illness, but according to the has twice tested negative for Covid-19. However, time spent in isolation and then difficulties preparing for the resumption of county cricket earlier this month has affected his personal wellbeing.The England batsman, formerly Yorkshire’s captain, took time out of the game in 2018 to deal with personal issues. He was Yorkshire’s leading run-scorer in the County Championship last year, but has not played in the Bob Willis Trophy to date.Ballance has returned to training but Yorkshire have said they will not put a timescale on when he might play around, although it is understood the club are hopeful he will be able to feature at some point this season.”Gary is currently managing some heightened feelings of anxiety and stress following a long period of isolation due to the Covid-19 lockdown, his own recent viral illness and other personal factors,” Yorkshire said in a statement.”The post-viral symptoms have affected his physical preparation for this shortened cricket season. He is currently unavailable for selection and we are unable to put any timescales on his return to playing at this time. However, Gary has increased his training volumes over the last week and is working hard both in the nets and on his general fitness.”Gary’s health and well-being remains our priority and the Club and medical staff will continue to work closely with Gary to support his return to playing as soon as possible. The club requests that Gary’s privacy in this matter is respected to allow him to focus on his return to cricket.”

Fast bowler Wong sets tone with early wickets as Sparks take spoils

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2020Sparks 136 for 6 (Kelly 59*) beat Thunder 135 (Cross 45, Wong 3-26) by four wicketsCentral Sparks secured their first win of the tournament against North West Thunder by 4 wickets, thanks to an all-round performance, especially from the bowlers that saw them chase down 136 in 44 overs.Issy Wong excelled once again, taking three wickets, whilst Marie Kelly paced the chase brilliantly against some tough Thunder bowling, top scoring with 59 not out.Thunder won the toss and elected to bat, but couldn’t put the decision to good use as they were succumbed to an excellent team performance by the hosts, a close game in the end but Sparks went away with the victory.”We went into today with a plan, ready to come back from a hard loss on Saturday, it was nice for it all to come together,” Wong said. “Today was a great team performance, everyone did their job and we are really happy.”Wong set the tone for the match, sending Laura Marshall’s middle stump flying first ball, before next over Emily Arlott got the wicket of Georgie Boyce, who also went without scoring.The opening bowlers continued to be dominant, bowling very tightly, allowing Thunder just four runs off first five overs. Wickets then began to fall again, as Wong bowled Ellie Threlkeld for 7 and Emma Lamb was caught at fine leg to give Wong her third wicket, with Thunder reduced to 18 for 4.Thunder couldn’t manage to salvage a partnership, with Clare Boycott taking the next two wickets, as Sophie Ecclestone skied a catch to point, for 14, followed by Natalie Brown being bowled for 35.Sarah Glenn was introduced into the attack, making an impact, getting Sophie Turner to edge behind, as Thunder reached 75 for 7 at the halfway stage. However, Kate Cross and Olivia Thomas helped Thunder reach a more respectable total, putting on a partnership of 56 to deny Sparks a quick finish to the innings.Georgia Davis had other ideas, taking the final three wickets, as Thunder were bowled out for 135 in 46 overs. The first, removing Cross on 45, who went down the ground but was caught at mid-on, then Alex Hartley edged behind without scoring and Hannah Jones went for 3, caught at mid-on also.As Sparks came out for the chase, Thunder ensured they didn’t make light work of it, with Brown bowling Amy Jones for 12 and Hartley trapping Eve Jones lbw for 27.Hartley carried on her restrictive bowling, alongside Ecclestone, as Davies was out lbw for 1.Milly Home and Marie Kelly came out to the middle and saw Sparks through a tough period of bowling as they began to up the run rate in the chase. They put on a partnership of 45 before Cross dismissed Home lbw for 17. Three balls later, Ecclestone bowled Glenn for 0, as Sparks reached 101 for 5 after 30 overs.Thunder fought their way back in well, as Boycott was caught and bowled by Ecclestone for 5, and the game got a lot tenser than Sparks would have liked. Sparks denied Thunder a nervy finish as Kelly passed her half-century from 89 balls, finishing unbeaten on 59 to see her team home.North West Thunder captain Hartley said: ‘I’m actually not disappointed, I am really proud of the fight our girls showed today, it is difficult not getting over the line but it was a great game. We have a great bowling attack and that showed today, sometimes you make a score for the batters and sometimes you don’t but that’s cricket.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A final dos Jogos Olímpicos de Tóquiotrará um curioso “tira-teima” para Brasil e Espanha. A história das Olimpíadas registra dois confrontos entre as seleções no futebol masculino, com uma vitória para cada lado. Na contagem regressiva para a decisão, que acontecerá neste sábado (7), às 8h30 (de Brasília), no Estádio de Yokohama, ex-atletas olímpicos brasileiros contam ao LANCE! suas recordações de cada duelo.

+ Teve medalha brasileira e finais no boxe! Veja o que rolou na Olimpíada

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1968 – OLIMPÍADA DA CIDADE DO MÉXICO

A Seleção olímpica partiu para a Cidade do México depositando suas fichas em nomes como o goleiro Getúlio, o meia China e os atacantes Ferretti e Toninho Guerreiro. Considerado uma das esperanças daquela geração, o meia Manoel Maria contou a sensação em torno da competição.

– Eu saí do futebol paraense rumo à Seleção, o que era inédito. Não sabia da dimensão que era jogar uma Olimpíada, do impacto que tinha a competição. Foi tudo muito bonito – revelou.

Contudo, o então jogador da Tuna Luso guarda uma grande frustração em relação a este duelo com a Fúria. Aos 44 minutos do primeiro tempo, Manoel Maria recebeu cartão vermelho.

– Uma pena que aconteceu essa expulsão. Faltava um minuto para acabar o primeiro tempo e até hoje não entendi o motivo dela! Eu estava bem na partida, a gente estava batalhando, tinha condições de ganhar – afirmou o ex-jogador, que posteriormente se consagrou ao atuar no Santos ao lado de Pelé, Clodoaldo e Edu e, além disto, foi cotado para disputar a Copa de 1970.

De acordo com jornais da época, o árbitro israelense Abraham Klein expulsou corretamente Manoel Maria. O meia deu um pontapé no espanhol Fernández.

Com um jogador a menos, o Brasil lutou o quanto pôde, mas não evitou a derrota por 1 a 0. Fernández, em um chute cruzado, garantiu a vitória da Fúria.

No jogo seguinte, o Brasil comandado por Marão teve uma atuação morna contra o Japão e ficou no empate em 1 a 1. Uma igualdade em 3 a 3 com a Nigéria desclassificou a Seleção Brasileira ainda na primeira fase.

1976 – OLIMPÍADA DE MONTREAL

Oito anos depois, a primeira fase da Olimpíada de Montreal reservou mais um confronto entre Brasil e Espanha. A equipe treinada por Cláudio Coutinho levava uma geração de respeito para a edição de 1976.

– Olha, para uma Seleção de base, conseguimos montar o melhor possível. Nós tínhamos o Edinho, Júnior, Batista, Alberto Leguelé, Chico Fraga. Tinha Carlos, que já era ótimo goleiro, a dupla de ataque era o Erivelto e o Santos. Um grupo ótimo, mas ainda amadurecendo – afirmou Rosemiro, lateral-direito daquela geração.

A Seleção vinha de um 0 a 0 com a Alemanha Oriental em sua estreia quando foi a campo medir forças com Espanha. E, de acordo com Rosemiro, ele teve uma motivação maior para o confronto que seria realizado na cidade-sede.

– O capitão Coutinho falou antes do jogo para mim: “ô, paraense, eu acredito em você”. Aquilo trouxe uma energia para mim muito forte. Ao ouvir isto, você foca de vez, dá até as suas últimas forças dentro de campo – acredita o ex-jogador, que conquistou estaduais tanto pelo Palmeiras quanto pelo Vasco.

Aos sete minutos, o lateral aproveitou uma bola lançada por Alberto e mandou para a rede.

– AEspanha sempre foi uma daquelas seleções contra as quais você procurava jogar o seu máximo. Eu era lateral, mas tinha liberdade para investir muito pelas pontas. Quando o Alberto lançou, tive oportunidade de fazer o gol – disse.

Os erros de marcação, entretanto, causaram um susto aos 15 minutos: Idigoras aproveitou espaço entre Edinho e Edval e igualou o marcador. Logo depois, uma pancada na coxa esquerda tirou Rosemiro de campo (Mauro entrou em seu lugar). No segundo tempo, a Seleção Brasileira garantiu a vitória por 2 a 1, quando Chico Fraga converteu pênalti sofrido por Erivelto.

Volante canarinho e alvo da dura marcação da equipe espanhola, Batista não esconde como foi rica a experiência nos Jogos Olímpicos.

– Eu tinha disputado o Pan-Americano (no ano anterior, quando foi campeão com a Seleção)e tinha acabado de me profissionalizar. Aí, o Internacional recebeu o pedido para que eu disputasse a Olimpíada. Era uma época na qual basicamente atletas jovens eram cedidos no Brasil para disputar a competição. Foi desafiador, mas tivemos uma experiência importante – declarou o ex-jogador, que tem em sua história um tricampeonato brasileiro pelo Internacional e passagens por clubes como Grêmio e Palmeiras.

O triunfo por 2 a 1 sobre a Fúria classificou os brasileiros para as quartas de final. Em seguida, a Seleção formada em 1976 foi a primeira a alcançar a semifinal. Contudo, terminou a competição em quarto lugar devido às derrotas para Polônia e União Soviética (ambas por 2 a 0).

Aos olhos de Batista, fez a diferença o fato da equipe brasileira ser repleta de jovens, ao contrário das seleções do Leste Europeu (saiba aqui a trajetória do futebol masculino nas Olimpíadas).

– A nossa Seleção era forte, mas para os padrões de seleções chamadas amadoras na época. Os países do Leste Europeu é que davam um jeito de ter sempre atletas com vasta passagem profissional. Lembro que contra a Polônia, por exemplo, nós enfrentamos o Lato, que tinha sido artilheiro da Copa do Mundo dois anos antes! Jogar contra os poloneses e contra a União Soviética foi muito difícil – e, em seguida, constatou:

– Acredito que em condições como as atuais, que impõem limites para todas as equipes, poderíamos ter um resultado melhor. Mas, de qualquer forma, foi muito importante para a minha carreira disputar aquela Olimpíada. Voltei dos Jogos mais rodado, sem medo – completou.

ESPERANÇA E ATÉ ‘DESEJO DE REVANCHE’: OPINIÕES SOBRE GRANDE FINAL

Prestes ao Brasil reencontrar a Espanha em uma final de Olimpíada, os ex-atletas que já experimentaram esta sensação mostram confiança nos comandados de André Jardine. O ex-meia Manoel Maria confessa que o duelo deste sábado é encarado como a chance de amenizar o quanto está engasgado com o que aconteceu nos Jogos Olímpicos de 1968.

– Olha, aminha torcida é dupla. Gosto muito do time do André Jardine, acredito no futebol do Claudinho, do Antony, do Richarlison… Mas também quero me vingar daquela expulsão que aconteceu no meu jogo contra eles! – afirmou, em tom irreverente.

Já Rosemiro, que guarda na lembrança o gol marcado na vitória sobre os espanhóis, não esconde seu otimismo.

– A Seleção tem totais condições de superar a Espanha. Todos os setores da nossa equipe estão bem entrosados e agora vamos enfrentar uma equipe que deixa o jogo ficar mais aberto. Isso dá chance para os brasileiros tentarem mais jogadas – destacou.

Batista, que fez parte do grupo convocado por Cláudio Coutinho na Copa do Mundo de 1978 e esteve na lista de Telê Santana no Mundial de 1982, exalta o talento da equipe canarinha. Contudo, deixa um alerta em relação ao confronto com a Espanha.

– A Seleção está consistente, mas é um confronto que passa longe de ser tranquilo. O Brasil sempre é o time a ser batido, os jogadores adversários entram contra nós mais atentos. Cabe à equipe ficar ligada desde o início, pois creio que será uma partida bastante equilibrada – afirmou.

A bola rola para a final neste sábado (7), às 8h30 (de Brasília), em Yokohama.