Flamengo Fluminense Rivalry

One of the most famous football rivalries in the world is the Flamengo Fluminense rivalry which is commonly referred to as Fla-Flu. These two Brazilian sides are responsible for producing some of the most fantastic players to have ever graced the pitch.

Unfortunately things aren't like they used to be. Currently Flamengo sit in 6th spot on the Serie A table and Fluminense are all the way down in 15th spot. Two wins from 9 games is a poor effort on their part.

A rivalry definitely suffers when the teams are declining. Flamengo haven't won the league since 1992 and you have to go back to 1984 for Fluminense last title.

Part of this is due to the state of Brazilian football. Brazil is a assembly line of footballers for the rest of the world. Have a look at the J-League or even the Bundesliga and you will a staggering amount of Brazilian footballers. Eight of the last nine leading scorers in Japan are a different Brazilian.

So when all the great players and even the so-so players are exported, what you are left with are the kids, the has-beens and the hacks. Anyone else who is remotely decent will be looking for a big payday from overseas.
It is sad and unfortunate but it is just part of the reality of modern football.