Sunday of Champions
Bruno Romani | May 04, 2009 | Comments 0
This Sunday had 10 champions from different states in Brazil. Out of the 10 champions, 6 are in the first division of Campeonato Brasileiro. Add to this list Sport and Inter, and the 8 state champions will be in the league that starts next week. Check it out:
Flamengo 2 (4) x (2) 2 Botafogo: Rio de Janeiro, for the third time in a row, belongs to Flamengo. And it was a crazy match. The first-half was really bad, but Flamengo scored twice through 02 World Champion Kleberson. The second-half was really good and Botafogo scored twice, through defender Juninho and Tulio Sousa. Before scoring the two goals, Botafogo also missed a penalty through Vitor Simoes. And yes, possibly there’s not team with such a bad luck as Botafogo. In the penalty shoot outs, Flamengo’s Bruno denied Juninho and Leandro Guerreiro. For the third time in a row Botafogo is the state’s runner-up. The fans believed that in the 2 previous times, it was Cuca’s, then the coach, fault. But on this Sunday, Cuca was on Flamengo’s bench. It was the first title of his career. Indeed, there are things that only happen to Botafogo. For Flamengo, the title marked to important things. It was a festive good bye to captain fabio Luciano, who is retiring. And, feeding the local rivalries, Flamengo now is the biggest winner of Rio with 31 titles, leaving Fluminense in second with 30. It is the first time since professional football started in Rio that Fluminense is not on the top of the list.
Corinthians 1 – 1 Santos: The title in Sao Paulo was already in the hands of Corinthians after last week’s victory. But Santos tried hard to spoil the party at the Pacaembu. The visitors started much better and had a penalty with 26 minutes into the match. Kleber Pereira took it and gave hopes to the fans. 1 Minute later, Paulo Henrique had the chance of scoring the second, but Felipe saved it. The final blow to Santos came 3 minutes fater it scored, as left back Andre Santos tied the match. From there, the match was all Corinthians’. The 26th state title was just a matter of time.
Cruzeiro 1 – 1 Atletico-MG: After the 5-0, not even the biggest Atletico fans believed they could beat their rivals. Atletico tried, scored first through Fabiano, but that was it. When Kleber tied from the spot, the match was over. Cruzeiro was the champion again. And after the match, coach Leao was fired from Atletico.
Atletico-PR 2 – 0 Cianorte: Atletico was very close from the title, even losing against rivals Coritiba last weekend. But Cianorte could not stop the furacao. Forward Rafael Moura, ex-Corinthians, ended was the top striker. And coach Geninho lifted since he won with Corinthians the 2003 state championship.
Vitoria 2 – 2 Bahia: Bahia visited Vitoria and needed a 2 goal difference to lift the trophy. And they came very close. They opened a 2-0 lead. But Vitoria managed to tie the match with the second goal coming only with 4 minutes left through a penalty taken by Ramon. At the end of the match, a good and old fight took place. But nothing could be changed. For the third time in a row, Vitoria is the champion in the state of Bahia.
Avai 6 – 1 Chapecoense: Chapecoense needed a draw to lift the trophy. But the team supported by ex-tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, won the match by 3-1 and took it to the extra-time. In the extra-time, another 3 goals. Avai stats well the year which it will play the first division of Campeonato Brasileiro.
Goias 2 – 0 Atletico-GO: Goias needed to win at any cost to lift the state trophy, something that did not happen since 2006. The goals came through Iarley and Felipe.
Brasiliense 2 – 0 Brasilia: The jacare lifted the Federal District trophy for the 6th time in a row.
Sousas 2 – 1 13 de Campina Grande: After 15 years, the “Dinosaur of the Desert” lifted the trophy in the small state of Paraiba. Forward Edmundo scored twice in the final. 2 of his 18 goals in the tournament, number that makes him the top scorer.
Juventus 3 – 1 Nauas: In the state of Acre, one of the most distant in Brazil, Juventus ended Rio Branco FC hegemony and lifted its 5th title after 13 years. The club will represent Acre in next year’s Copa do Brasil.
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