Botafogo FR - Eternal Flames

I'm Back...

After a week in the bush, I will be back updating this story. I hope I havent missed much while I have been away and hopefully I can get back in the swing of things

Ex-Fogo Player Sinks Flamengo

An old face came back to haunt Rio de Janeiro heavyweights Flamengo, as lowly Resende shocked the Mengão in the second round of the Rio State Championship and found themselves in an unlikely position of second heading into the early stages of the tournament.

Not only was the loss frustrating for former Brazil manager Dunga's side, but the person who scored the winner: Elias. Elias, only a matter of days before, had returned from a loan spell at arch rivals Botafogo FR, where player-manager Clarence Seedorf decided to not extend the striker's loan spell.



In a low key match with a little attendance, many fans and pundits alike were expecting a one sided affair, with the final result almost certainly going to end in favour of the Brazilian giants who are normally one of the favourites for the title every year.

But Flamengo could not put their dominance to good use, and the small gathering of Resende fans were shocked when the former Fogão striker slotted home what turned out to be the winner.

Dunga was left disappointed by the result, and admitted his players may have suffered from a lack of motivation and were a little complacent. "We didn't look like a team that wanted to win," he told Lance. "We looked tired on the ball and not very efficient with our chances."

Congrats on sending back a striker to defeat another club. #Walt'sTacticalMasterclass

2013-11-15 01:23#143771 edu1878 : Congrats on sending back a striker to defeat another club. #Walt'sTacticalMasterclass

Thanks edu. It seemed to work a treat

Seedorf's Diary: The Vovô Derby

Ever since deciding to leave the pasta and pizza of Milan for the lights at night of Rio de Janeiro, and changing the Rossoneri for the Estrela Solitaria, I have been welcomed into one of the most glorious football clubs in the world: Botafogo FR.

And just like any club, they have a few rivals. But these are not just ordinary rivalries, these are classics.. epics! These games are some of the finest in the world but they never seem to gain the same attention as some of the other derbies across the globe.

Botafogo are lucky enough to come from a footballing heaven. That heaven is called Rio de Janeiro. Blessed with a number of clubs, from minnows like Volta Redonda and Bangu to the heavyweights like us, Fluminense and Flamengo. There is a wide range of clubs located in some of the closest communities in the world. This is what makes the game so special in Rio.

But what takes it to a new level is the 'Vovô Derby'. This in English is translated to the Grandpa Derby, referring to its age in the footballing world. Ever since 1906 these two teams have been competing, and creating one of the best atmospheres you will ever see in a football game.

Fluminense are the least liked of the four Rio de Janeiro heavyweights. This is partly due to the club representing the upper class of the cities society. Whilst this draws in some fans - it creates a large unpopularity with the rest of the city.

Botafogo, on the other hand, are not seen in such a bad light in their rival's eyes. Called O Glorioso, this means the Glorious One in Portuguese, and is a fair reflection on the club's glittering 109 year history. They produced one of the finest sides ever in the 1950's and '60's and are the old timer's favourites.

These two sure do cook up a good rivalry. Fluminense have been known to get the better of my newly inherited side but I think we have a good chance going into this year's battle. After clawing back against old time rivals Flamengo, we have shown the country that we are not just style but we also have substance. I know we can do the same against Fluminense, who have proved to be the team to beat this - smashing in 11 goals in just two games.

Our fans have the passion and the belief to get us over the line, and so do the players. I haven't been here long, but I know what it means to pull on the black and white of the Fogao, and I know that if we can lift and play as a team, we can beat the rich scum from the other side of the city!

Good luck in the derby! Nice update.

2013-11-15 14:15#143937 LFC : Good luck in the derby! Nice update.

Thanks LFC, Fluminense are actually unbelievably good in game, scoring 15 goals and conceding none leading up to the game.. while in real life they were champions last year but are now in the relegation zone

Hopefully you can stop the threats like Fred, and score some goals :D. Good luck

Finally got round to commenting!!!!! Nice update - I always get confused between Fluminense and Flamengo.

2013-11-15 16:16#143975 Pauker : Hopefully you can stop the threats like Fred, and score some goals :D. Good luck

Fred is obviously the number one danger, but players like Diguinho have been playing even better in game. Thanks Pauk

2013-11-15 16:28#143980 Nick : Finally got round to commenting!!!!! Nice update - I always get confused between Fluminense and Flamengo.

It was worth the wait, and the nagging is now over. Don't worry, lots of foreigners do. Let's just say Fluminense is the posh fags and Flamengo are the middle class fags

Seedorf's Diary: January 2014

It was a solid opening month to kickstart our campaign. Despite seeing no losses we were hardly playing at our best but I am sure with much more game time under our belts we can shake off the tired legs of preseason and really have a good start to the Rio State Championship.

We played three competitive games this month, and grabbed 7 points to begin the season. We played Flamengo, Cabofriense and Resende in the first three matches. Let's see how we did.

Botafogo 1-1 Flamengo

19.1.2014 | Rio State | Maracanã | Rio de Jan. | A. D. S. Macedo | 41,882

In what proved to be one of the toughest season openers, we played alright. Flamengo may be adapting to life under former Brazil manager Dunga, but they still provided a stern test for our boys and we were lucky to come away with a point in that game.

Cabofriense 1-3 Botafogo

22.1.14 | Rio State | Alair Correa | Cabo Frio [RJ] | Scarpati, A | 8,215

Cabofriense hosted us in their small stadium in Cabo Frio, and despite losing all fans were chuffed at seeing the Estrela Solitaria visit their stadium. After being pumped by Fluminense earlier in the week, Botafogo didn't want to waste all their energy on a low key match.

Resende 0-5 Botafogo

26.1.14 | Rio State | Estadio do Trab. | Resende [RJ] | Coutinho, G | 2,561

This match we showed our true colours. We have hit the swing of things early and our youngsters are playing out of their skin. It was good to see Dede having a great game and new signing Prego (who cost over 1 million pounds) scored on his debut.

The League Table

After an alright start we find ourselves third in the table only behind Fluminense and Vasco da Gama. The former has played three piss easy matches and absolutely smashed all of them, meaning they are the form team whilst the latter have played well and taken wins in all their matches.

Next month we play Vasco da Gama, and they will be our biggest test for February. We also have games against Macae, Bangu and Volta Redonda, games that a team such as ourselves should be winning fairly easily.

Around The State

Fluminense scored 17 goals with no reply to take themselves into first place early into the tournament. They recorded a 5-0 win over Cabofriense on the opening day and annihilated Audax Rio and Bonusessco 6-0.

Meanwhile, some highlights could be found in the lower reaches of the league - Botafogo affiliates Duque de Caxias were forced to fight back several times against Bangu to come away with a 4-4 draw.

Transfers

Youngster Prego completed a big move to Botafogo during the month from his former club Cuiabia. Despite not being the most determined figure, Prego's undoubted ability might be able to lead Botafogo to the Championship title.

I think Prego is pregnant with goals.


On another note, and away from terrible jokes, A great month to start off with, and I like the new layout.

2013-11-15 23:23#144023 edu1878 : I think Prego is pregnant with goals.


On another note, and away from terrible jokes, A great month to start off with, and I like the new layout.

Thanks edu, hopefully he is though (referring to the joke) Thanks for the feedback about the layout, credit must go to Kane for the layout.

Botafogo Reject Big Offer For Doria

Botafogo player manager Clarence Seedorf has revealed to the media that the club have turned down a bumper offer from Portuguese giants SL Benfica for central defender Doria. The exact amount of the deal is unknown, but reports suggest it is in the region of £8 million pounds.

The young defender has solidified his place in both Clarence Seedorf and predecessor Oswaldo de Oliveira's sides, and series of impressive performances in big games have led to interest intensifying in the Brazilian.

Seedorf told Lancenet that he was worried this interest would lead to Doria becoming unsettled and maybe trying to push a move forward. "Doria is a thorough professional," Seedorf started, "but I am worried this may lead to him becoming unsettled.

"Benfica must take more care when they go about their business, in my opinion."

Doria started the recent derby against Flamengo, and doesn't look like losing his place to any of his teammates.

Meanwhile, Doria isn't the only Botafogo player being swarmed by transfer offers, with PSV Eindhoven reportedly in negotiations for the services of 30-year old striker Rafael Marques. It is unknown whether the deal will go through, but Botafogo are prepared to enter discussions if the deal is right.

Good!