Rafael Sóbis Inspires Fluminense Comeback; Vasco Thumped by Coelho

The action in the Campeonato Brasileiro continued to flow thick and fast over the weekend (God, why did I choose to cover a league that insists on such a relentless schedule?!), with nine matches taking place. Round 21 was a good one for São Paulo, whose victory over Figueirense allowed them to snatch second place from Vasco da Gama. The game of the week, however, undoubtedly took place at the Raulino de Oliveira...

Fluminense 3-2 Atlético Goianiense
Let's not beat about the bush; for 80 minutes on Saturday, Flu were abysmal. Not just below par, but truly can't-string-three-passes-together awful. Manuel Lanzini, the Argentine playmaker signed on loan from River Plate to replace the departed Darío Conca, had a couple of nice touches early on, but was soon dragged into the Sunday-league midfield minefield. Up front, meanwhile, Ciro did a passable impression of the invisible man. Atlético, who have been in decent form of late, took a deserved lead when Bida blasted home a free-kick from an improbable angle.

Que virada! Fluminense players celebrate a spectacular comeback.

Things got worse after the interval. Rafael 'He-Man' Moura - who has all the finesse of a chest of drawers - blasted a penalty into orbit, before Dragão 'keeper (oh, the joys of the goalscoring goalie) Márcio showed him how it was done at the other end. Game over, as I claimed on Twitter.

Unfortunately, I was to be left with egg on my face; Fluminense produced an astonishing comeback, grabbing three goals in eight breathless minutes. Rafael Sóbis was the catalyst, coming off the bench (oh Abel Braga, why was he even on the bench?) to net a quickfire brace. His first, a 20-yard curler with his left foot, was followed by a simple tap-in after Márcio had fumbled a shot. The Tricolor weren't done there, however. With injury time approaching, Rafael Moura nodded home a Marquinho free-kick to delight the home fans. Fluminense may not be title contenders this term, but they remain deserving of their nickname - Time de Guerreiros (team of warriors).

Brasileirão Gameweek 21 Round-up
São Paulo clawed their way back into second place in the standings, beating Figueirense 2-1 at the Orlando Scarpelli. Rivaldo rolled back the years once more, showing great composure to score the Tricolor's winner. Vasco da Gama drop to third, following a surprise defeat at the hands of Brasileirão lanterna América Mineiro. The Coelho were rampant on Sunday afternoon, chalking up four goals - including a lovely swerving effort from André Dias - against a shell-shocked Vasco defence. Atlético Paranaense were also on the wrong end of a goleada; Grêmio produced some scintillating attacking play to record 4-0 win in Porto Alegre.

United States of América; Kempes (left) was on target for the Coelho.

Despite remaining entrenched in the relegation zone, Atlético Mineiro are finally showing signs of life. The Galo eased to victory over Avaí on Saturday, and now sit just two points behind Santos in the table. The latter's match against Botafogo, incidentally, was postponed. At the Engenhão, Bahia produced a spirited display to condemn Flamengo to a second consecutive loss. One-time Manchester United target Dodô scored the goal of the game, powering in from the left and blasting past Felipe. Corinthians also tasted defeat on Sunday, succumbing to Coritiba in the city of Curitiba (yes, I know... and no, I don't know why). Finally, both Palmeiras vs. Cruzeiro and Ceará vs. Internacional finished 1-1.

Série A results; Fluminense 3-2 Atlético-GO, Atlético-MG 2-0 Avaí, Figueirense 1-2 São Paulo, Palmeiras 1-1 Cruzeiro, Flamengo 1-3 Bahia, Grêmio 4-0 Atlético-PR, Coritiba 1-0 Corinthians, América-MG 4-1 Vasco, Ceará 1-1 Internacional.

(Photo credits; (1) Gilvan de Souza, (2) Gil Leonardi.)

Luxa's Reign at Flamengo Starts With a Win, Cruzeiro Rise to Second

In most countries, domestic action pauses when the national team plays. Not in Brazil. The midweek Série A games went ahead as usual, producing some intriguing results. Fluminense and Corinthians both lost, allowing Cruzeiro to break their duopoly at the head of the table with a win over Goiás. In fact, Cruzeiro aside, none of the top six could manage a victory; Inter, Botafogo, and Atlético Paranaense all failed to register maximum points. Lower down the table, there was finally some light at the end of the tunnel for Flamengo...

Flamengo 2-0 Atlético Goianiense
It must be tough being a Flamengo fan. An ever-changing cast of players, coaches, technical staff flutter in and out of Gávea, meaning that only the club's name and shirt design provide any semblance of continuity. When Silas left the club last week (following hot on the heels of Zico, a club idol and Director of Football for all of four months), the Flamenguistas would have been forgiven for fearing the worst; their side had picked up just one win in ten games, and were slipping dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Now let's be clear. Flamengo remain just five points from the drop zone; this, of course, was just one win. But, for this writer, Flamengo have reason to be cheerful; they have appointed Vanderlei Luxemburgo, one of Brazil's most successful coaches. True, 'Luxa' has just come off the back of a horrid spell at Atlético Mineiro, but in the context of his career, this looks like an anomaly; a quick glance at his achievements (five Campeonato Brasileiro and eight Campeonato Paulista titles) leaves one with little doubt about his prowess. If anyone can drag Flamengo from this latest crisis, it's him.

Flamengo's heavy hitter Val Baiano.

Against Atlético-GO, the Rubro-Negro lined up with much the same personnel as have been underperforming of late; Deivid and Diogo continued up front, with Petkovic providing support from midfield. Diogo, however, limped off in the first period, to be replaced by the bizarrely under-used Diego Maurício. In a tight opening period, it was Fla who went closest; Willians sent a header just wide, before Correa threatened with a smart volley. The half, though, would end goalless; a familiar tale of late for the Rio side.

Fla came out fighting in the second half, however, and soon laid siege to the Dragão goal; Correa, Petkovic, and Diego Maurício all saw efforts well saved by Márcio. The opener, though, would come from an unlikely source; Val Baiano, a forward so out of form (and out of shape) that he's become the butt of a series of jokes in Brazil (samples; "for Val Baiano, there's no such thing as an ugly goal. Or a beautiful one." "When Val Baiano plays football with his son, his son lets him score."). The former Bareuri man, though, stuck it to his critics, powerfully heading home from a Marquinhos cross. Baiano celebrated exactly how you'd expect a man who hadn't scored for months to celebrate.

Flamengo looked comfortable, but made sure of the victory with a second goal. Diego Maurício bullishly held off two markers, before slotting smartly home. As Luxemburgo danced a jig down the touchline, it was hard not to see this as a turning point for Flamengo. The Rubro-Negro will, of course, face much harder tests than this, but with struggling Avaí next up, the side will fancy themselves to pull away from the relegation dogfight, at least in the short-term.

Gameweek 28 Round-up
Fluminense suffered a huge blow to their title challenge at the Engenhão, going down 3-0 to a Zé Éduardo-inspired Santos. The striker overshadowed some of the more well-known forwards on display (Neymar, Fred) to net a stunning second half hat-trick for the Peixe. He got off the mark with a smart bicycle kick after Neymar's effort came back off the woodwork, before added an opportunist second; chasing a long-ball before volleying gloriously past Rafael. Promising left-back Alex Sandro created the third, skipping away down the left before squaring to give Zé Éduardo the easiest of finishes. Flu were dealt a further blow when Fred limped off with yet another injury.

Why so serious? Santos hat-trick hero Zé Éduardo.

Grêmio continued their fine form, seeing off quasi-namesakes Grêmio Prudente at the Olímpico. The Tricolor led within a minute when André Lima poked home, and doubled their advantage when Jonas finished off a slick move. Jonas, the league's top scorer, then volleyed home an impeccable effort from 25 yards, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Grêmio are now closing in on Botafogo and Atlético-PR, neither of whom could claim a win on Wednesday night. Atlético played out a goalless draw with Vasco at the Arena da Baixada, while Botafogo drew 1-1 with Guarani. Barboza headed the Bugre ahead, but 'Loco' Abreu responded in kind for Fogo.

São Paulo beat Vitória at the Arena Bareuri, on Paulo César Carpegiani's first game back in charge of the club. Dagoberto flicked home the opener following some delightful build-up, and Fernandinho powered his way through to tuck home a second. Fortaleza club Ceará picked up a useful victory too, beating Internacional at the Castelão thanks to Heleno's rocket. Atlético Mineiro's upturn in fortunes continued, as they came from behind to beat Corinthians 2-1. Paulinho put the Timão ahead following another goalkeeping error from Fábio Costa, but second half headers from Werley and Zé Luís gave the Galo an important three points. If they avoid relegation, Dorival Júnior's reputation will only be strengthened further.

Atlético Mineiro goalscorer Werley celebrates.

Cruzeiro moved to second in Série A with a tight win over Goiás at the Serra Dourada. The unlucky Jonílson headed the game's only goal into his own net after a dangerous Walter Montillo cross. Palmeiras maintained their resurgence, routing Avaí by 4 goals to 1 at the Pacaembu. Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia was the main protagonist, heading the Verdão into the lead before later smashing home from 25 yards. Roberto scrambled home Avaí's lone effort, but Kléber's penalty and Gabriel's long range strike completed the goleada.

Results; Fluminense 0-3 Santos, Grêmio 4-0 Grêmio Prudente, Guarani 1-1 Botafogo, São Paulo 2-0 Vitória, Atlético-PR 0-0 Vasco, Atlético-MG 2-1 Corinthians, Ceará 1-0 Internacional, Flamengo 2-0 Atlético-GO, Goiás 0-1 Cruzeiro, Palmeiras 4-1 Avaí.

(Photo credits; (1) Maurício Val, (2) Cleber Mendes, (3) Bruno Cantini.)

SKP at the Morumbi!

Better late than never, readers! Nearly two weeks ago now, I had the pleasure of visiting the Morumbi, the stadium of São Paulo Futebol Clube, to watch their Brasilerião clash with Atlético Goianiense. This (drum roll please) is the story of the evening.


São Paulo 2-1 Atlético-GO
After meeting my friend Fabiano near the Pinacoteca in the North of the city, we headed by car towards the Morumbi district, home of the Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo. We left well in advance of the nine o'clock kick-off (São Paulo is the ultimate concrete jungle and usually has the traffic levels to match), but we were pleased to find the route relatively empty, and it wasn't long before the stadium, surrounded by hills, crept into view. Parking was interesting; a whirlwind of negotiation, revs, horns, and swear words, but soon we were strolling onto the main concourse. Built in 1960, the Morumbi is in surprisingly good condition, due to frequent renovations over the years. The crowd included a considerable number of youngsters, girls, and pensioners; as Fabiano informed me (in a completely unbiased manner, naturally), São Paulo prides itself on being more family-friendly than local maniacs Corinthians. (N.B. I have been to a Corinthians game, and it was nowhere near as intimidating as certain people would have had me believe; the atmosphere at the Pacaembu was indeed raucous, but in an entirely positive sense.)


We entered the ground...although not with the riffraff, dear reader. Oh no, your SKP correspondent had VIP status; not, sadly, anything to do with my journalistic ambitions, but rather thanks to Fabiano's girlfriend working for one of the club's sponsors. I wasn't complaining, however, tucking into free food and drink, and taking in the magnificent view. Aside from the Maracanã, the Morumbi is surely Brazil's most iconic stadium; with its swirling Tricolor decoration, elevated floodlight rigs, and an almost unfathomable distance between the supporter and the action. Even from our pitchside position behind the goal, it took a keen eye to keep track of events. With a crowd of just 9,000 (the capacity is 67,000), one may have expected a subdued atmosphere, but the hardcore members of the Torcida Independente (São Paulo's largest fan group) were in fine voice, ably backed up by the pounding beat of the requisite bateria.

In the weeks previous to the game, São Paulo's form had been shaky at best; indeed coach Sérgio Baresi would have been sweating over his future. These nerves translated into a tentative start for the home side, who were admittedly missing some of their key players; Fernandão, Ricardo Oliveira, and Richarlyson were carrying injuries, and Dagoberto only earnt a place on the bench. Midfielder Jorge Wagner made his first start for months, and predictably looked off the pace for most of the game.


It was against the run of play, then, that the Tricolor went ahead. Right-back Jean bent a delightful cross into the six yard box, where centre-back Xandão rose to head past Márcio. The goal gave São Paulo the confidence to control the rhythm of the remainder of the half; young attacker Marcelinho in particular stood out for the home side, with his livewire dribbling and incessant running. Both he and Fernandinho went close before the interval.

The second period saw the introduction of Dagoberto; a former fan favourite who had (undeservedly) become somewhat of a scapegoat after the club's exit from the Copa Libertadores. The little support striker made an immediate impact, cutting in dangerously from his position on the left of the attack. São Paulo looked set to dominate the rest of the game, but then the unthinkable happened; Atlético scored. Newly-promoted, bottom four Atlético. The same Atlético who were in the third division when São Paulo were winning Série A. Elias, the Dragão's playmaker, played in Juninho, who rounded Ceni to tuck home. The stadium groaned as one; "we don't deserve to be near the top of the league if we can't beat this timinho (tiny side)," sighed Fabiano.


Fifteen minutes passed without much excitement. When Dagoberto headed home Marlos' hopeful cross, then, the celebrations rang out not only joy, but a fair dose of shock; this suddenly had the air of a victory plucked from the jaws of defeat. Dagoberto's publicist (do footballers have publicists?) must have been delighted with his celebration; the 27 year-old tore off his shirt and made his way over to the giant SPFC plaque to salute the crowd, who responded in kind with a rousing chorus of "Êêêê, oooo, Dagoberto é o terror!" ("Dagoberto's a terror!") The game predictably tailed off after this sugar rush, but the São Paulinos didn't care; this was the kind of unexpected boost that can ignite a season.

Before making our way home, we desperately tried (but ultimately failed) to get the attention of club icon Rogério Ceni, before sneaking off for a peek at the club's Libertadores trophies, proudly displayed in the club shop. There was also time for a quick photo with the club's mascot, a larger-than-life caracature of the man after whom the city and club are named; Saint Paul himself. It was a fitting end to my pilgrimage to one of the world's most historic stadia.

(Photo credits; All writer's own.)

São Paulo Slip to Second Consecutive Defeat; Pet Lifts Flamengo into Top 4

The games continue to flow thick and fast in the Brasileirão, as the league plays catch-up in the wake of the World Cup. It was a bad weekend for São Paulo, who not only lost, but saw bitter city rivals Corinthians pull away at the head of the table. Flamengo continued their good form after the break, with a 1-0 away win against Atlético-GO, which sees them sneak into the top 4.

Vitória 3-2 São Paulo
Ricardo Gomes's São Paulo, fresh from a home loss to Avaí, were looking to get their league campaign back on track against Vitória in Salvador. The Tricolor are soon to play semi-final of the Copa Libertadores, but a full-strength starting XI at the Barradão suggested that the team's focus is, for now, wholly on the league. Vitória, however, have been quietly effective at home, and proved more than a match for the visitors.

Ramon (right) celebrates his goal.

The Leão enjoyed the majority of possession in the first period, and took the lead when Elkeson rose magnificently to head home Egídio's pinpoint cross. São Paulo's attacking output was limited to the occasional ineffective counter-attack, leaving Fernandão marooned up front for long periods. Against the run of play, however, the away side equalised. Right wing-back Jean finally ventured forward, and after swapping passes with Hernanes (easily São Paulo's standout player on the night), slid his shot into the corner of the net.

The leveller was evidently an affront to Ricardo Silva's men, who came bursting out of the traps in the second period to regain control of the game. Another beautiful Egídio cross was nodded home by Schwenk to make it 2-1, and Ramon added a third soon after. Elkeson's clever ball beat the offside trap, and the veteran striker kept his cool to stroke past Rogério Ceni. By this stage, the three points looked safe, but the ball-boys clearly didn't want to take any chances; amusingly, referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique was forced to dismiss two of them for being too slow in returning the ball to São Paulo players. The Tricolor did drag themselves back into contention via a Fernandão header, but couldn't muster another equaliser. The win for Vitória sees them move above São Paulo in the standings.

Atlético-GO 0-1 Flamengo
The Rubro-Negro picked up an undeserved win at the Serra Dourada thanks to performances by men at both ends of the standard footballing lifespan. It was Dejan Petkovic who again proved the difference in attack, and who netter Flamengo's only goal from the penalty spot. But the real star was young (OK, he's actually 23, but cut me some slack) goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba, who pulled off some fine saves to keep the Dragão at bay.

The first half was a timid affair, with both teams seemingly content to remain at arm's length. There was, however, one exception. Diego Maurício spent the opening period tearing around the pitch, displaying the work ethic of a man desperate to earn a more permanent role in the team. It was he who, after half an hour, burst into the box, and was felled by Gilson. The referee correctly awarded a spot-kick, which Petkovic dispatched into the corner.

'Pet' salutes the Fla fans.

The home side came to life in the second period, particularly after the introduction of Juninho and Anaílson. The pair combined to good effect down the left, and it took some dogged Flamengo defending to prevent an equaliser. Ronaldo Angleim and Welinton received protection not only from the ever energetic Willians, but from débutant Correa, who put in an assured shift in midfield. It was a fortuitous but priceless win for Flamengo, who, despite their troubles both on and off the pitch, find themselves in fourth place.

Gameweek 9 Round-up
Vasco picked up only their second win of the season, beating fellow relegation scrappers Atlético Paranaense 3-1 at the São Januário. Strikers Jonathan and Nunes both netted their first goals for the club; the former with a shot that slipped through the hands of Neto in the Furacão goal, and the latter with a penalty after Jonathan was brought down in the box. Bruno Mineiro pulled one back before half time for nine-man Atlético, but Léo Gago wrapped things up around the hour mark with a low drive from distance.

Corinthians pulled away at the top of the table with a 1-0 win against Atlético-MG, as Ceará lost to Inter. Bruno César netted the Timão's only goal with a deflected effort. Inter turned in a good performance at the Beira-Rio, and took the lead through an Alecsandro penalty after Giuliano tumbled (dived) in the area. Kléber added a second after good work by Andrés d'Alessandro, before a Pato Abbondanzieri howler gifter Michel a consolation.

Young forward Alan was again decisive for Fluminense.

Fluminense move up to second following a tight 1-0 win against stuttering Santos at the Vila Belmiro. After withstanding long periods of pressure, the Tricolor netted on the break when supersub Alan drilled home after receiving Mariano's visionary pass. Cruzeiro too picked up a 1-0 victory, at home to lowly Goiás. Playmaker Gilberto bagged the goal, finishing with aplomb after a one-two with Wellington Paulista.

Botafogo endured their sixth consecutive game without a win, this time drawing 1-1 with Guarani. A superb break-away attack from the Bugre saw Mazola leave Botafogo defender Danny Morais for dead before squaring for Ricardo Xavier to open the scoring. The Glorioso defender made amends just before half time, however, rising to powerfully head Lúcio Flávio's corner past Douglas. The Rio side now sit 15th in the table, just one point above a group that includes Grêmio, who lost away to partial namesakes Grêmio Prudente. Paulo César grabbed the first with a free kick (aided by a defensive wall which parted like the Red Sea), before Wanderley added another on the break in the final seconds.

At the Ressacada, in-form Avaí ensured that Luiz Felipe Scolari's honeymoon period with Palmeiras was short lived, inflicting a 4-2 defeat on the Verdão. It was the visitors who took the lead through Gabriel Silva, but two lovely Avaí goals put them in the driving seat at half time. Caio got the first with a lovely left-footed drive, before Robinho (not that one) finished off an incisive passing move. In the second period, Kléber levelled things with a penalty (which he'd dived theatrically to earn), but the Leão da Ilha were not to be denied. Caio bagged his second after seeing his own penalty saved by Deola, before Roberto ran clear, calmly evaded the Palmeiras keeper and steered his shot into the empty net.

(Photo credits; (1) Romildo de Jesus/Lancepress, (2) Carlos Costa, (3) Ivan Storti.)

Santos and Vitória Reach Copa do Brasil Final

The semi-finals of the Brazilian cup were settled on Wednesday evening, with Santos and Vitória earning their places in the decider.

Santos 3-1 Grêmio
After losing out 4-3 in the first leg, Santos needed a win at the Vila Belmiro to reach the final. Recognising this, coach Dorival Júnior selected an attacking line-up (with Paulo Henrique Ganso behind a front three of Neymar, André, and Robinho), but none of his stars was able to break the deadlock in a goalless first half.

If there were any doubts forming in the minds of the Peixe fans, they were quickly and resoundingly dispelled in the second period. Just six minutes had passed when Ganso advanced on the left and rocketed an unstoppable drive into the top corner. A glorious goal.

The 'goose' steps forward; Ganso unleashes from range to score for Santos.

It was trumped, however by Santos' second; an exemplar in ruthless counter-attacking football. A long ball was pumped out of defence, which Robinho, still in his own half, managed to win in the air. André collected the ball, resisted a Grêmio challenge, and played it back into the path of Robinho, who had made a surging run. One on one with the 'keeper, the former Real Madrid man fashioned a stunning first-time lob to send the Santistas into raptures.

Five minutes later, Grêmio provided a reminder that they could still spoil the home side's party; Rafael Marques (not that one) netting from close range after Felipe spilt a Douglas free-kick. The revival, however, would prove to be short-lived. Energetic Santos midfielder Wesley outpaced his marker, rounded Victor, and found a finish from a tight angle.

It was a second half performance that embodied Santos' rise in 2010. Theirs is not only a fluid, aesthetic football; it is a potent and effective one too. It also provides a timely reminder that skill and entertainment, those traditional hallmarks of the Brazilian game, can be compatible with success even in this age of physical conditioning and professionalism. Perhaps the seleção ought to take note.

Vitória 4-0 Atlético-GO
Even if the honeymoon appears well and truly over for Atlético Goianiense (after their first Série A loss and defeat here), they can still fall back on the joy of (bear with me...) having married a girl way out of their league. In a more literal sense, their league is probably Série B, and a cup run to the semi-finals remains a historic achievement, despite their elimination at the Barradão.

Júnior (right) celebrates his first of the night for Vitória.

Uelliton (yes, that's what Wellington looks like when spelt phonetically/really, really badly) put the home side ahead with a simple header, before Júnior bagged a brace. Injury time produced some drama, when Vitória won a spot-kick. Viáfara, the Leão's penalty-taking goalkeeper scored with a paradinha, but was promptly booked for doing so (see below), and ordered to retake. He converted his second attempt, but will now miss the first leg of the final.

News Round-up
The days of the paradinha are numbered, it seems, after FIFA confirmed it would not allow the technique at the World Cup, a decision which will also apply to competitions worldwide from the start of the tournament. Globo analysed two types of kick; the paradona (big stop), which involves a dummy when the kicking leg has already been pulled back, and the paradinha (little stop), which involves a stutter or dummy in the run-up. The former, but not the latter, will be disallowed. (Globo's labelling is a bit confusing, though, since it's precisely the former which has been going by the name of paradinha...)

Deco; Laranjeiras-bound?

A week of substantial activity in Rio has seen Vasco appoint a new coach, and Fluminense all but seal an enormous transfer coup. Celso Roth has taken the reigns at the São Januário, with Gaúcho stepping aside to take up the role of assistant. Roth led Atlético-MG with considerable success last term, and having already had a spell at Vasco, looks a decent appointment. Fluminense appear to have tied up a deal for Chelsea midfielder Deco, who has often stated his desire to return to his native Brazil. Although seemingly a declining force in the European game, Deco would undoubtedly be a superb signing for the Tricolor, and at 32, should still have a few years of football left in him. With Flu already having a talented player (Conca) behind the strikers, Muricy Ramalho might consider playing Deco as a deep-lying playmaker, a role he performed with some aplomb (albeit only occasionally) at Stamford Bridge last season.

Tonight sees two Libertadores games; Internacional travel to La Plata to face Estudiantes, and Flamengo face Universidad in Chile. Look out for a round-up of these games (plus Wednesday's game between São Paulo and Cruzeiro) tomorrow.

(Photo credits; (1) Miguel Schincariol, (2) Agência Estado, (3) Daniel Dal Zennaro.)

Muricy Gets First Win With Flu; Corinthians Set Early Pace

The second round of the Brasileirão was completed this weekend, and among the big stories were important wins for two under-pressure managers.

Fluminense 1-0 Atlético-GO
Muricy Ramalho's reputation as one of Brazil's top managers is not under threat, but in recent weeks, his future at the Laranjeiras has been. Job security among coaches in Brazil is flimsy to non-existent, and without a win since he took over at Flu in late April, the vultures were already circling. Relief, then, was palpable after the final whistle brought Saturday's game to a close, the Tricolor having scraped a win over Atlético Goianiense.

Hands up if you're relieved; Muricy gives out some orders.

With Fred still out, new signing Rodriguinho was given a début. The striker impressed during the Campeonato Paulista, helping Santo André to the runners-up spot. His partner at the Maracanã was André Lima, with Conca the main supplier from midfield. Atlético rested a couple of players with half an eye on their Copa do Brasil game in midweek.

The game itself was nothing to write home about. Fluminense had the greater attacking impetus, but created little. They can be an infuriating side to watch, with midfielders who seem to have no positional instructions other than "CLUSTER IN THE MIDDLE!" The lack of width meant Rodriguinho and André Lima received nothing but straight back-to-front passes all game, hardly ideal for a partnership of two physically slight finishers. The return of Fred and the potential signing of Deco would undoubtedly be an improvement in terms of personnel (especially if the latter takes the place of the haphazard Diguinho), but on this evidence, a change of shape is of more fundamental importance.

The tie was settled in the second half by a strike from Marquinho, whose shot sneaked under Edson in the Atlético goal. It was a scruffy winner, worthy of a scrappy game, but Muricy won't mind in the slightest. With games against Coritinthians and Flamengo within the next fortnight, however, the vultures may not stay away for long.

Grêmio 1-2 Corinthians
Corinthians coach Mano Menezes has also been the target of supporters' discontent of late, but Sunday's victory at the Olímpico should go some way to appeasing his critics. The football played by the Timão is indeed far more pragmatic than at stages last year (Menezes currently favours the midfield trio of Ralf, Elias, and Jucilei, none of whom are particularly creative), but with results like this one, it is surely only a matter of time before the fans get behind their manager.

Things were spiced up prior to kick-off with the news that Douglas, a playmaker who shone at the Pacaembu last term (and whom Corinthians strangely turned down the chance to re-sign) was named in the home team's line-up. The Grêmio No.10 has been in thrilling form recently, and Menezes would have been forgiven for fearing a pointed reminder of what their side was missing. He need not have worried; without the support of first-choice strikers Borges and Jonas (rested for the Brazilian cup semi-final), Douglas made little impact.

Ralf (left) and William celebrate Corinthians' opener.

It was Corinthians who took the lead in the first period, when Ralf rose to head home a Dentinho corner. Grêmio 'keeper Victor, still rueing his omission from Brazil's World Cup squad, got a hand to it, and probably should have done better. The lead was doubled midway through the second half through Souza, who had been wasteful up to that point. Dentinho again provided the assist, but it was a glorious miskick from Tricolor left-back Bruno Collaço which allowed Souza to prod in from close range.

Grêmio, keen to maintain their magnificent home record (they were unbeaten at the Olímpico in last season's Série A) pressed for a goal, and were rewarded when substitute Maylson slotted home. Corinthians, however, held on for the last 15 minutes, and stand atop the Campeonato Brasileiro with the only 100% record. If they can keep this up, Menezes will prove his doubters wrong.

Gameweek 2 Round-up
Flamengo travelled to Salvador to meet Vitória on Saturday evening. On a water-logged pitch (Fla must be warming up with a rain dance or something...), the visitors went ahead; Leão 'keeper Vinicius could only palm Adriano's dangerous cross onto the chest of the incoming Vágner Love, who diverted it into the net. The Rubro-Negro lead for 83 minutes, but were denied the win by a brilliant Elkeson free-kick for Vitória.

Saturday's third game produced the shock of the round, as Grêmio Prudente (fresh from losing 6-1 to Avaí) thrashed Atlético-MG 4-0. All the goals came in the first half, with Araújo, Flavinho, Henrique Dias, and Diego Giaretta getting on the score-sheet. Galo defender Werley later admitted that his team had performed awfully, having started at "5km per hour." Vanderlei Luxemburgo has a lot to think about this week.

On Sunday, Santos were held to a 1-1 draw by new boys Ceará. It was the visitors who took the lead at the Vila Belmiro, when Washington headed home unmarked. Neymar equalised from the spot, after tumbling under what appeared a fair challenge. Seemingly unsatisfied with one paradinha, the youngster threw two into his run-up and sent the 'keeper the wrong way. This penalty technique (quite unfair, in my view) is a double-edged sword; the taker looks good when successful, but rather silly if things go wrong. So it was with Santos' second penalty, late on in the game. This time, Diego in the Ceará goal decided not to dive, and Neymar pulled his shot wide.

Walter celebrates his second for Inter.

At the Serra Dourada, Internacional recovered from a 2 goal deficit to beat Goias 3-2. Young striker Walter was the star of the show; scoring a penalty, adding a glorious second, and winning another spot-kick from which Giuliano bagged the winner. Botafogo also produced a stirring comeback against São Paulo at the Morumbi. Léo Lima headed the home side ahead, but late goals from Antônio Carlos (the defender's third in two games) and Renato Cajá gave all three points to O Glorioso.

The remaining three games all ended in draws. Vasco and Palmeiras played out a dire goalless draw at the São Januário; 90 minutes I'll never get back. At the Mineirão, Cruzeiro and Avaí produced rather more excitement. Pará and Roberto gave the visitors a 2-0 half-time lead, but a Wellington Paulista brace earnt the Raposa a point. In Curitiba, Atlético-PR drew 2-2 with Guarani. A Netinho free-kick for the home side cancelled out Roger's opener for the Bugre, before the sides traded penalties in the second half. Roger scored his to put Guarani into the lead for a second time, but veteran striker Alex Mineiro kept his cool to earn Atlético a point.


(Photo credits; (1) Fluminense.com.br, (2) Ricardo Rimoli, (3) Internacional.com.br.)