Flamengo set Algarve friendlies with River Plate, Benfica and Lausanne | OneFootball

Flamengo will spend a two-week mid-season camp in Portugal’s Algarve during the World Cup break, capped by three friendlies at Estádio Algarve. Benfica provide the final test.

According to Globo.com, contracts are signed and the fixtures are set. River Plate on 3 July, Lausanne of Switzerland on 8 July, then Benfica on 11 July, all at Estádio Algarve. The Benfica match starts at 19:30 local time, 15:30 in Brasília, and will count for the Algarve Trophy.

Arranging the Portuguese opponent depended on a gap in the clubs’ schedules, and the sides tried to avoid World Cup dates but could not. Talks with Falkirk FC and Birmingham were dropped as Flamengo sought a stronger opening opponent and suitable slots.

The squad travel on 28 June, heading from Lisbon by bus for about two hours 30 minutes to Lagos, their first base. They will stay and train at the seafront Cascade Wellness Resort.

The second phase of the trip will be in Estoi, about one hour from Lagos, with the party lodging near Estádio Algarve. Training will also be held on an adjacent pitch.

The team return to Rio de Janeiro on 12 July and complete the hiatus at Ninho do Urubu. Players on international duty are unlikely to take part, and even if eliminated early they are expected to receive a few days off. The camp falls between the second phase and the quarter-finals.

Argentina had been the early favourite to host and Flamengo had already paid logistics, but a sponsor later funded the move to Portugal, money the club did not recoup. A switch to the Algarve had been requested by Leonardo Jardim’s staff, yet limited time and logistics initially pointed to Argentina before the European proposal changed plans.

Source: Globo.com