Five youngsters enjoying a breakout season in Série A

With six games of the season remaining, there remains plenty to play for in the 2014 Brasileirão – even if those dastardly Cruzeiro schemers have already all but wrapped up their second consecutive title. The race for the Libertadores places is hotter than the surface of the sun (just the four teams on 54 points as things stand), while plenty of sides are still battling manfully against the drop.

For many, though, the real battle begins after the season’s end, when European clubs will once more come sniffing round in search of talent to tempt to the Velho Continente. Many of the names likely to be in the mix will be broadly familiar by this stage – think Éverton Ribeiro, Lucas Silva, Gabriel – but the gold rush is usually such that it’s not just the established stars who attract attention.

Without wishing to tempt fate (heaven knows Brazilian football could do with keeping its talented kids for longer), I have picked five youngsters who could be on the radar having enjoyed breakout seasons in 2014. Find out who they are on the WhoScored site.

Emerald City shining bright: Goiás continue to confound expectations in the Brasileirão

Like most big conglomerations in Brazil, Goiânia, a city of 1.4 million souls nestled in the country's midwestern belt, goes by a couple of nicknames. It is both the Capital of the Cerrado (a tropical savannah that runs through the state of Goiás and neighbouring Minas Gerais), as well as the rather more poetic City of Eternal Springtime.

A glance at recent trends in local football suggests another moniker that would be equally apt. With Goiás Esporte Club – known by fans as the Esmeraldino – continuing to confound expectations in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Goiânia has turned into something of an Emerald City, sparkling cheerfully in Brazil's football landscape.

Read the rest of this post on the WhoScored website.

Ex-Porto striker Walter weighs 93kg – but that's not stopping him impressing for Goiás

There is a poem engraved on the Statue of Liberty that sounds out a stirring welcome to immigrants to the USA. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” reads its most quoted line (and who am I to avoid the beaten path?).

If the Campeonato Brasileiro had its own symbolic gatekeeper, it may utter something similar. “Bring us your teenagers, your aching veterans and your faded stars,” perhaps.

A glance at one of the strikers currently lighting up the league may even prompt them to add another demographic: “Oh, and your overweight too.”

In my latest article for WhoScored, I profile Goiás  striker Walter, who is enjoying a fine season despite being a touch on the rotund side. Read it here.

Goiás Defeated in Sul-Americana Final; Grêmio Qualify for Libertadores

Goiás' continental fairytale came to an abrupt end last night, as they lost the Copa Sul-americana final to Independiente. The Esmeraldino had built up a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, but came unstuck in Argentina; losing on penalties after their opponents had drawn level on aggregate. Disappointment, then, for Arthur Neto's men, but the result was celebrated in the blue and black half of Porto Alegre; Grêmio now qualify for the 2011 Libertadores.

Penalty agony for the Goiás players.

Independiente 3-1 Goiás (5-3 on penalties)
The hosts, needing a two-goal victory, predictably flew out of the blocks in the opening minutes. They were boosted by a goal within 20 minutes; Julian Velazquez tucked home neatly after Goiás 'keeper Harlei had parried a shot. Within seconds, however, the Esmeraldino silenced the Estádio Libertadores. Wellington Saçi broke down the left, and crossed for Rafael Moura (who else?) to power in a header.

The first half continued to be played at breakneck pace, with chances falling for both sides. Independiente regained the lead in fortuitous fashion; Ernando's attempted clearance ricocheted off Facundo Parra, and looped into the far corner of the net. The home side had the wind in their sales, and swiftly bagged a third. The Goiás backline failed to cut out Patricio Rodríguez's cross from the left, allowing Parra, who was lying on the floor after challenging for a header, to poke out a leg and flick the ball past Harlei. It was another bizarre goal, but Independiente didn't care a jot; they needed just one more to guarantee the title.

Unfortunately for the hosts, the attacking verve of the opening period was replaced by conservatism and nerves after the interval; they looked more concerned about not conceding than they were about scoring. Consequently, the best chances fell to Goiás; Otacílio Neto had a goal chalked off for offside, and Rafael Moura could only blast into the side netting in the final minutes. The teams, level on aggregate (the Sul-americana has no away goals rule) went to extra time, and the visitors continued to push forward; Rafael Tolói struck the woodwork with their best opportunity.

Independiente, who had offered precious little since their third goal, must have been pleased to see the game go to penalties. Journeyman striker Felipe was the unlucky player whose miss would prove crucial for Goiás, as El Diablo Rojo expertly converted all five of their spot-kicks. As the Independiente faithful celebrated victory, the Goiás players shuffled despondently into the dressing room. The disappointing final chapter, though, shouldn't take too much away from what was a thoroughly impressive cup run, especially from a team who will play in Série B next term.

Result; Independiente 3-1 Goiás (5-3 on penalties).

(Photo credit; Reuters.)

Goiás Continue to Confound Critics in First Leg of Copa Sul-Americana Final

It's a funny old game, this football. This year, for the first time, the winners of the Copa Sul-americana (the South American equivalent of the Europa League) will receive the significant prize of automatic qualification for next year's Copa Libertadores. Rather than being a battle between two of the continent's big hitters, though, the final is being contested by two clubs who have struggled in domestic competition this term; Independiente are currently languishing near the bottom of the Argentine Primera División, while Goiás have already been relegated from Série A following a tepid campaign. It was the Brazilian club, however, who continued their inspirational cup form last night with a 2-0 first leg win at the Serra Dourada.

By the power of Greyskull; Rafael Moura celebrates his goal.

Once again it was Rafael 'He-Man' Moura who made the breakthrough for the Esmeraldino, tucking home calmly when Carlos Alberto fortuitously diverted the ball into his path. Moura has undergone a remarkable media-led transformation in the last couple of months; from hapless targetman to one of Brazil's most feared strikers. A move to one of the country's more reknowned clubs surely beckons in the off-season.

The home fans, jumping following Moura's opener, were sent into raptures just minutes later when Otacilío Neto added a fortunate second. Douglas' scuffed cross looked certain to be cut out by an Independiente defender, but somehow dribbled through to Neto, who made no mistake. Goiás remained in the ascendency, and gained a numerical advantage when Silvera was dismissed for the Argentine side. Despite their efforts, though, the scoreline remained 2-0; Artur Neto will hope that his charges have done enough ahead of next-week's second leg.

Result; Goiás 2-0 Independiente.

(Photo credit; EFE.)

Goiás Stun Palmeiras to Reach Copa Sul-Americana Final

Having won the away leg 1-0 last week, Palmeiras were considered favourites to advance from their all-Brazilian Copa Sul-americana semi-final with Goiás. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was clearly prioritising the competition; frequently resting his side's star players in recent Série A matches so as to keep them fresh for this game. Goiás, however, tore up the scipt last night, coming from behind to dump the Verdão out of the tournament.

In front of a packed Pacaembu, the hosts took control early on; Tinga rattled the post with a powerful drive, and Luan tested Goiás 'keeper Harlei. With half an hour gone, Palmeiras broke the deadlock; Edinho lofted a lovely diagonal pass for Luan, who held off his marker before volleying into the far corner. The goal have the São Paulo side a 2-0 aggegate advantage, leaving Goiás with plenty to do. Their task was made easier with a slightly fortuitous goal on the stroke of halftime; Carlos Alberto's close range header took a heavy deflection off Tinga, and beat Deola in the Palmeiras goal.

Despair for Palmeiras forward Luan (left), as the Goiás players celebrate.

Palmeiras had their share of chances in the second period, with Kléber in particular guilty of some wasteful finishing. Their profligacy would be punished by Goiás, who scored their crucial second goal with ten minutes remaining. Marcão's cross from the left was headed back across goal by Rafael Moura, giving Ernando the easiest of finishes. The entire Pacaembu fell silent, stunned at the away side's comeback. Palmeiras tried to recover in the final minutes, but the dye was cast; Goiás progress to the final on away goals. They will meet either LDU Quito or Independiente, who will settle their semi-final this evening.

Result; Palmeiras 1-2 Goiás (2-2 on aggregate; Goiás win on away goals).

(Photo credit; Ari Ferreira.)

Advantage Palmeiras in Copa Sul-Americana Semi

Brazilian interest in the 2010 Copa Sul-americana has boiled down to two teams; Luiz Felipe Scolari's Palmeiras, and Série A strugglers Goiás. The two met at the Serra Dourada on Wednesday in the first leg of their semi-final, with both sides gunning for a final berth against LDU or Independiente.

Marcos Assunção smashes home the winner in Goiânia.

Palmeiras were again without Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia, who has struggled to overcome a series of niggling injuries since his arrival. The trio of Tinga, Luan, and former Galatasaray man Lincoln were charged with providing support to the team's attacking focal point, Kléber. Goiás have been carried in recent weeks by Rafael Moura, and the big forward once again provided the main threat to the opposition defence. In a tight game of few clear chances, it was (as so often this term) Marcos Assunção who made the difference for the Verdão. The midfielder received the ball midway into the Goiás half, and advanced swiftly before rifling a glorious drive into the top corner of Harlei's goal. Assunção's 2010 highlight reel will make compulsive viewing.

Despite their best efforts, Goiás could not find a foothold in the match, and were restricted to only a handful of opportunities. Their best chance fell to Otacílio Neto, who saw his effort well saved by Palmeiras 'keeper Deola. The Esmeraldino now have it all to do in next week's return leg.

Result; Goiás 0-1 Palmeiras.

(Photo credit; Evaristo Sa/AFP.)

Goiás and Atlético Mineiro Progress in Copa Sul-Americana

The confusingly-scheduled Copa Sul-Americana continued this week, with no fewer than four all-Brazilian clashes; half of which were decisive second legs. Goiás and Atlético Mineiro, despite their poor league positions, picked up wins to guarantee spots in the last sixteen, whilst Vitória and Avaí took control of their ties with impressive first leg victories.

Grêmio 0-2 Goiás
New Grêmio coach Renato Gaúcho started his reign in the worst possible fashion, seeing his team eliminated from continental competition at the once fortress-like Estádio Olímpico. A hero at the club due to his role in two state championship wins and an Intercontinental Cup title, Renato will need all the goodwill possible if he's to put an end to the Tricolor's recent woes. Despite the return from injury of attacking midfielder Souza, the home side turned in a sloppy performance and were deservedly beaten by Goiás.

New Grêmio boss Renato Gaúcho.

With just 8 minutes on the clock, the Esmeraldino snatched the lead. Wendel Santos, in acres of space on the right, curled in a delightful cross for Amaral to head emphatically home. Grêmio, with Jonas all alone up front, looked startlingly bereft of ideas; indeed Renato Gaúcho would take time after the game to emphasise the need for Douglas, the one true creator of the side, to return to form. Grêmio huffed and puffed in midfield, but rarely threatened before the break.

The second half saw a slight improvement; Jonas, Maylson, and Souza all tested Goiás 'keeper Harlei, and the introduction of Hugo and André Lima gave the team added attacking threat. As the seconds ticked by, however, it became increasingly apparent that this wasn't to be Grêmio's night. Indeed, in the final minute of the ninety, Goiás landed a knock-out blow; Everton Santos smashing home after dancing through some non-existant defence from the home side. Goiás progress, while Grêmio must focus on their Série A form.

Copa Sul-Americana Round-up
In the week's other second leg, Atlético Mineiro left it late to sneak into the last sixteen, defeating Grêmio Prudente 1-0 at the Ipatingão. It was Ricardinho who made the difference for the Galo, finishing sweetly at the near post after some slack defending. Atlético will meet Caracas, Santa Fé, or Deportivo Lara in the next round, and will undoubtedly be pleased to have something to take their minds of their abject league form.

Santos came down to earth with a bang from their Copa do Brasil triumph, soundly beaten 3-1 by Avaí in an exciting game at the Pacaembu. With Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso only on the bench after their exploits with the seleção, Dorival Júnior handed rare starts to Madson and Zé Éduardo in attack. It was Avaí, though, who came flying out of the blocks; Rudnei's powerful drive opened the scoring after some head tennis on the box. Despite creating countless chances in the remainder of the first half, Santos couldn't find an equaliser, and were left with a mountain to climb when the visitors doubled their lead after the break. Vandinho raced clear after some hesitant Peixe defending, and flighted the deftest of chips over Felipe, who had just come on as a substitute after an injury to Rafael. Golaço!

Avaí players congratulate Rudnei after his opening goal.

The introduction of Neymar and Ganso predictably injected some life into the seasiders, who promptly pulled a goal back; Zé Éduardo finishing powerfully into the roof of the net after Neymar's surging run. The last word, however, would go to Avaí. Caio, in an absurb amount of space after a calamitous Santos offside trap, unselfishly squared the ball to Vandinho who tucked away his second of the evening. The Peixe have it all to do in the return leg.

Luiz Felipe's winless (re)start at Palmeiras continued, as the Verdão went down 2-0 to Vitória in Salvador. Ramon put the Leão ahead with a trademark free-kick in the opening minute of the second half, before Neto Coruja's header made it two in the dying minutes. Palmeiras will hope that the return of Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia will provide the catalyst for a return to winning ways in the coming weeks.

(Photo credits; (1) Gremio.net, (2) Agência Estado.)

Botafogo Continue Strong Start Despite Infighting; Flamengo Seal First Win

An action-packed weekend in the Brasileirão saw plenty of goals and talking points, with events at the Engenhão drawing particular attention...

Botafogo 3-0 Goiás
O Glorioso continued their impressive start to the campaign on Saturday afternoon by comprehensively defeating Emerson Leão's Goiás side. The game, however, will be best remembered for a bizarre incident involving Botafogo teammates Herrera and Caio, who were sent off for fighting in the second half. Herrera was visibly aggrieved when Caio selfishly wasted a good counter-attacking opportunity, and appeared to have some strong words for the youngster. The spat turned physical (although hardly violent), culminating in a couple of shoves and general handbags. The referee, however, saw fit to expel both players, who looked rather embarrassed as they trudged off.

Lúcio Flávio commemorates his goal. The crowd go wild. Or not.

The confrontation overshadowed what was another well-deserved win for Botafogo. After surviving some early Goiás pressure, the home side took the lead via Lúcio Flávio. The midfielder can sometimes look sluggish in open play, but his dead-ball prowess is beyond despute; his perfectly placed free-kick gave the 'keeper no chance. Barely a minute later, the advantage was doubled. Fábio in the Goiás goal failed to cling on to Herrera's low shot, and Somália hammered in the loose ball. It was Herrera who completed the scoring in the second period, turning home Lúcio Flávio's cross at the near post.

Despite the infighting, Joel Santana will be delighted to see his team move up to third in the table. If Botafogo continue this form, they might be a good outside bet for a Sudamericana or even a Libertadores place. In the short term, however, suspensions for Herrera and Caio (plus World Cup duty for Loco Abreu) will force the Alvinegro to field a makeshift strikeforce (likely to be Alex and Edno) against Cruzeiro on Wednesday.

Flamengo 3-1 Grêmio Prudente
There were mixed fortunes for Flamengo this week. The Rio giants recorded their first league win of the season, but look set to lose star striker Adriano, whose contract is about to expire. A return to Italy with Roma is mooted, a move which would put a huge dent in Fla's ambition of successfully defending their Série A crown. I stuggle to see how the transfer would be beneficial to Adriano either, apart from giving his bank balance a boost. This is a player who has struggled with drink, depression, and indiscipline even in circumstances tailor-made for his happiness; his family and friends are nearby, and Flamengo have been hugely (and arguably, excessively) lenient over his frequent absences from training. Staying with the Rubro-Negro would surely be the most logical outcome, but this appears unlikely. After all, when does logic have anything to do with Brazilian football?!

Flamengo goalscorer Juan.

Adriano sat out Sunday's game at the Maracanã, which allowed centre stage to be taken by Vágner Love, the other half of the fêted Império do Amor (literally Empire of Love; a conjunction of the two strikers' nicknames) partnership. It was he who opened the score on the stroke of half time, converting a penalty after Guilherme Camacho was tripped in the box. Wanderley levelled for the visitors after the break, but Flamengo nicked two late goals to secure three points. An attempted cross from Juan snuck in at the near post, before Vágner Love calmly slotted home his second penalty of the game. Next up for Rogério Lourenço's men is Wednesday's Fla-Flu clash at the Maracanã.

Gameweek 3 Round-up
Palmeiras faced Grêmio on Saturday, in the final game at the Palestra Itália prior to its refurbishment. In an exciting contest, the Verdão emerged 4-2 winners, a result which should temporarily allay fears over the side's decline in recent months. Ewerton twice capitalised on slack Grêmio defending to give the home side a two-goal lead, but the Tricolor reacted with a classy goal from Jonas, who controlled a high ball and volleyed home. Just before half-time, some ridiculous refereeing saw a sending off apiece; Palmeiras' Marcos Assunção and Douglas of Grêmio both harshly punished for a minor coming-together. Hugo levelled things up for the Porto Alegre side after the break, but it was Palmeiras who claimed the win, thanks to a Maurício Ramos header and a cute near-post finish from Cleiton Xavier.

A 2-1 away win against Atlético-GO gave Santos their first win in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Without Neymar, Ganso, Madson, and André (all left out for breaking a curfew after last week's Copa do Brasil win), Santos struggled to assert themselves in the first half. After the break, a firecracker from Wesley gave the Peixe the lead, before Zé Eduardo turned home Alex Sandro's cross. Boka's late goal proved to be no more than a consolation for the Dragão.

Atlético Mineiro reacted to last week's dire display by dispatching Atlético Paranaense 3-1. Goals from Muriqui, Diego Tardelli, and Ricardinho outweighed the away side's sole (but well worked) effort, which was finished off by Bruno Mineiro. Fellow Belo Horizonte heavyweights Cruzeiro had to come from two goals down to earn a draw with Guarani. Bugre hitman Roger twice profited from some uncharacteristically poor Cruzeiro defending, before Gil and Guerrón levelled things up.

Atlético-PR's Marcio Azevedo (left) confronts Atlético Mineiro's Ricardinho.

In a preview of the upcoming Libertadores semi-final, Internacional lost 2-0 to São Paulo at the Beira-Rio. Hernanes gave the away side the lead; his volley surprised Pato Abbondanzieri after his original shot from a free-kick had rebounded off the wall. Fernandão (a former Inter idol) bagged the Tricolor's second, rounding off a lovely move involving Hernanes and Dagoberto. São Paulo's exciting form continues. Corinthians scraped a 1-0 win over improving Fluminense, thanks to a Chicão free-kick. The Timão had to withstand substantial pressure from the Rio side, who thought they'd won a late penatly when Fred was brought down by Bruno. Unfortunately for Flu, the linesman had flagged the striker offside; a tight call but probably an accurate one.

Ceará claimed their second win of the season, beating Vitória 1-0. The goal came in injury time at the end of the match; Washington with the easiest of finishes after a sensational run by Misael. Avaí's early season form continued with a straightforward 2-0 win over struggling Vasco. Roberto scored the first for the Leão da Ilha, following some comically bad defending from the Rio side. Róbson made it two in the second half, finishing off a neat attack down the right. Celso Roth's Vasco have a measly one point to their name after the opening three games.

(Photo credits; (1) Alexandre Cassiano/Globo, (2) Paulo Sergio, (3) Mauricio de Souza/Agência Estado.)