Brasileiro: First-Half is Over; Sao Paulo Killing
Bruno Romani | Aug 17, 2009 | Comments 0
Despite the fact that 3 postponed matches still have to be played, the first-half of Campeonato Brasileiro is over. With 3 other clubs on the rise, the lead by Palmeiras has been overshadowed.
Sao Paulo, Avai and Goias showed massive will for the victory, and fought until the last minute to squeeze the 3 points that cemented their top positions in the table.
Sao Paulo proved again that its fans are right about adopting as their new mascot Jason Voorhess from the Friday the 13th series. The club visited Sport, the last side on the table. The visitors were down to 9 men when Sport tied the match through Fabiano. There were only 6 minutes left. But Sao Paulo wasn’t dead again. With two minutes into the stoppage time, Junior Cesar stole the ball and crossed for Hugo to score with a header the winning goal. Sao Paulo seats in 4th and has a series of 8 matches (7 victories and 1 draw) wihtout a defeat. It was the 6 th match in a row won by the current champs.
Goias, now in second, almost had its game spoiled by a red card as well. The green side played at home against Vitoria and opened a 2-0 lead, with goals by Felipe Meneses and Fernando. Two minutes after the second goal, Leandro Domingues scored for the visitors. And before the first-half was over, Goias’ defensive midfielder was ejected. It seemed the debut of Wagner Mancini ahead of Vitoria was going to be a good one. Then, Vitoria tied the match through Neto Berola. Vitoria was ready for the comeback, but Leandro Domingues spoiled it all by being red carded. With that, Goias grew again and score in the 90th mark with a goal by Julio Cesar.
Finally, Avai completed the 9th match without losing. And, again, a player from Avai almost spoiled it all. Avai received Nautico, one of the sides from Recife in the relegation zone. The home team scored first with Eltinho in a nice free-kick. Then, in the second-half, defender Emerson scored an own goal and tied for Nautico. But the home team fought and midfielder Marquinhos scored with just two minutes left. The 6th position must be credited in great part to coach Paulo Silas.
Sour, sour…
Palmeiras still leads, but the weekend was sour. The club played at home against Botafogo, who had the debut of coach Estevam Soares, and just tied in one goal. Andre Lima scored for the visitors and Danilo for the the home team. It was the 5th match since coach Muricy Ramalho took over Palmeiras – and the third draw. What is bothering the fans is the fact that Palmeiras was able tos core only 5 goals in 5 matches.
The other side who is falling is Atletico-MG. The ex-leader visited Corinthians at Pacaembu, and the home team won for the first time in 5 matches. Under the eyes of Ronaldo, who watched the team from the stands, Dentinho and Boquita scored and gave the victory. The red card given to defensive midfielder Renan ended with any chances of Atletico to react.
Rubbing hands
The failure of Palmeiras at home made Inter very happy. Inter visited the decaying side of Santo Andre, who is already in the relegation zone, and won with goals by Taison and Alecssandro. What is more important: Inter still has to play two postponed matches, against Atletico-MG and Santos, and if it pockets the 6 points, the red side will jump to the first place.
One + 10
Marcelinho Paraiba + 10 at Coritiba. The midfielder/forward carried Coritiba again to the victory. And the match was important, as it was against Fluminense, side fighting relegation, at Maracana. In the 3-1, Marcelinho scored twice, one of them beautiful, and celebrated in weird fashion. Ney Franco, ex-Botafogo coach, debuted ahead of Coritiba.
The other side of Coritiba, Atletico-PR reached its 4th victory in a row. Coincidence or not, the 4 victories came after coach Antonio Lopes took over. This Sunday, the side was visited by Barueri, who seemed lost after losing coach Estevam Soares for Botafogo. The locals were conducted by veteran Paulo Baier. He scored twice, one through a free-kick, and was fouled in the box. The penalty was taken by Marcinho.
In Porto Alegre, the 4-1 by Gremio over Flamengo covered the incredible performance by goalie Victor. The kid has to go to the World Cup – even as third goalie. Gremio jumped to 7th and collected more good news. Perea returned to the team and scored. Jonas scored twice (from the spot, true). And defender Rever scored the most beautiful goal of the weekend.
In a horrible match, Cruzeiro and Santos produced a nil draw which took the clubs nowhere. Goalies Fabio and Felipe were the main names.
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