Meet Gabriel Veron, the natural-born dribbler aiming to follow Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras to the big time

Gabriel Veron is a born dribbler.

He is fast – very, very fast – but also measured. It’s all very well haring down the flank, but you have to know when to slow down, when to bide your time. It’s in the hips – ginga, they call it here – and it’s in the eyes: you tell your marker a story and then change the ending. One minute you’re there, and the next you’re not. Veron is still young, but he has all of that.

“It’s the essence of Brazilian football,” Brazil Under-17 coach Guilherme Della Dea says. “He’s already a master at it.”

Read my profile of one of the exciting Palmeiras winger, who is currently shining for his country at the U-17 World Cup, on The Athletic. 

Tchê Tchê scouting report: Why Palmeiras' Mr Versatile would be a good signing for European sides this summer

Another week, another scouting report from Brazil. At this rate, I'll be running out of young players to get excited about in... oh, three or four years.

Next up on the conveyer belt is Tchê Tchê, probably one of the most versatile footballers to have played in Brazil in the last decade. Is he a right-back? Is he a central midfielder? Is he a winger? No, he's all those things and probably a few more besides.

At 24, he's no boy genius. But having come through relatively late – he really caught the eye for Fernando Diniz's fine Audax side in the 2016 Paulistão – there is still a freshness about him that makes him worthy of a closer look.

I do just that in my latest for Unibet.

Yerry Mina scouting report: Why the Barcelona-bound dance master could be the next great centre-back

He's got moves, you cannot deny that.

Yerry Mina, the Colombian defender who is starring for Palmeiras in Brazil, celebrates goals with moves that would make Fred Astaire green with envy – and is partial to a jig in his spare time, too.

That would be neither here nor there were Mina not also a very promising footballer, but he's got that covered too. Powerful in the air and capable with the ball at his feet, he has been the most impressive centre-back in Brazil over the last year, and a deal is already in place for him to move to Barcelona.

Find out all about the 22-year-old in my latest scouting report for Unibet.

Gabriel Jesus' breathtaking ascent to the top – told by those who helped make it happen at Palmeiras

He faces a couple of months on the sidelines, but that won't stop Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian teenager has been on a mission since the start of his teens, cruising over every obstacle placed in his way with that trademark brand of serenity and flair.

After his lightning start to life at Manchester City – three goals and two assists in his first three starts – I got in contact with some of those who knew him best during his time at Palmeiras, where he blossomed from a coltish upstart into a genuine star.

I spoke to his former coach, Cuca, who told me why he's best played through the centre. Fernando Prass, the captain of the São Paulo outfit, recalled Gabriel practising his finishing after training until he could shoot with both feet. Matheus Sales and Agustín Allione shared their experiences of seeing the forward at close quarters.

You can have a read of what they all had to say in this piece for The Independent.

Pace, pressing and pig emojis: Palmeiras setting the pace in Série A thanks to Cuca's modern methods

It was the morning after World Emoji Day, so the headline was rather more oblique than usual.

Beneath a photo of a jubilant Erik, sports daily Lance! had printed a number of symbols that told the story of Sunday's Internacional vs Palmeiras match. Some – a Brazilian flag, a thumbs-up, a smiley face – did not require Columbo-level acts of decryption: even those not versed in the local football scene would have been able to work out that the away side had picked up a useful victory.

It was the remaining pictures that really spelt out the significance of the result, however. There was the number 32, representing Palmeiras' points tally after 15 games of the Brasileirão season. That is three more than anyone else in the division; they have now been at the summit at the end of the last seven rounds. Early days these may be, but the trophy emoji could be getting a few more outings in these circles over the next few months.

Then there was the number 19 with a cross through it, which – investigative journalism alert – isn't actually an existing emoji. But we should probably allow some artistic licence here to mark the end of one of Brazilian football's most dogged hoodoos: this was the first time the São Paulo giants had beaten Inter at the Beira-Rio since 1997. No wonder the little pig emoji (an allusion to a once-pejorative nickname that Palmeiras fans have made their own) looked especially pleased with itself.

The rest of this article, about Palmeiras and their excellent campaign so far, is on the WhoScored blog. Have a read here.

Five players who could shape the battle against relegation in the Campeonato Brasileiro

Finally, after over a year of utter dominance, it looked as though Cruzeiro may have company at the top of the Campeonato Brasileiro table. The reigning champions were defeated 2-0 last weekend by São Paulo, who then proceeded to lose to relegation candidates Coritiba, moving back to seven points adrift going into the final three months of the season. However, without wishing to jinx anything before it materialises, we may still have a title race on our hands.

But while things are beginning to simmer at one end of the table, there’s a full-scale battle royale raging at the other. The scrap against relegation could hardly be more dramatic: while Flamengo appear to have done enough to stave off the threat, everyone from Figueirense down will be fighting to the death from here on in.

With margins so small, things really could be settled by a few hardy warriors. For WhoScored, I have picked out five players who could shape the relegation battle in Brazil.

The week(end) that was - #5

Reborn Uruguayans, dressing room pacts, stories of redemption and mysterious masked fans: all in a few days' work for Brazilian football. Here are the stories of the weekend...

Lodeiro stakes his claim

Leggy forward Vitinho caught the eye in Botafogo's 3-0 win over Olária, climbing off the bench to score two fabulous goals in the final stages. But the game's true standout performer was Nicolás Lodeiro. With Clarence Seedorf given the evening off by Oswaldo de Oliveira, the Uruguayan made the most of a rare chance to assume centre stage, buzzing around nefariously behind the forwards and threatening with his dead-ball delivery. 

His goal, which arrived just after the interval, was a thing of beauty. Seizing upon a defensive slip-up, he surged towards the edge of the penalty area before cutting back onto his favoured left foot. With goalkeeper and centre-back (reasonably) expecting a shot, he then shifted the ball back to his right, taking them out of the game completely before clipping into the empty net. It was the kind of subtle, intelligent play that earnt him a move to Ajax as a 20-year-old and a place in Uruguay's 2010 World Cup squad. Botafogo may not be where he imagined himself playing at the age of 24, but the signs are that he's coming into his own in Brazil.

Público zero (almost)

Vasco da Gama's game against Friburguense on Sunday was played out in front of just paying 546 spectators at the São Januário. But this wasn't just another example of the occasionally fair-weather nature of Brazilian fandom. Rather, it was the result of a protest by the club's supporters' groups at the chaotic administration of president Roberto Dinamite. Barely a week seems to go by at Vasco without infighting or financial mismanagement coming to light, prompting the influential Força Jovem group to call for público zero this weekend. 

A few hundred picket-line crossers diminished the force of the protest slightly, but the presence of fans outside the stadium before kick-off was enough to dissuade Dinamite from attending. The anger is entirely understandable but Vasco fans must be careful what they wish for; portions of the crowd were calling for the return of Eurico Miranda, a man most famous for his and callous reaction to a stadium accident that left over 150 people injured at a Vasco match in 2000.*

(Another curiosity at the São Januário was the reappearance of the creepily-masked supporter known as Mister M. Could Mister M have anything to do with Mr Miranda? Conspiracy theories abound.)

Palmeiras pact pays off

Last month's 6-2 mauling at the hands of minnows Mirassol was always likely to go down as a key moment in Palmeiras' season. After the travails of 2012 and unedifying (read: despicable) scuffles between idiotic fans and players in March, you would have been forgiven for expecting total meltdown as the club prepares for life in Série B.

But things have panned out rather differently. Coach Gilson Kleina kept his job and has led the Verdão to three consecutive wins. This weekend a goal from in-form Leandro (who also scored on debut for Brazil in the non-event friendly with Bolivia just 24 hours earlier) saw them condemn early-season flyers Ponte Preta to their first defeat in 17 Paulistão games.

The key to this turnaround? Crisis talks in the dressing room following the Mirassol match. "We made a pact to overcome adversity," said defender Wendel. Fluffy-haired creator Tiago Real chimed in: "We said that we had to start from scratch. The results show that we've done that." These remain early days, but one senses that better times lie ahead for Palmeiras.

Fonte Nova opens with a bang

Another of Brazil's World Cup stadiums was unveiled on Sunday, when the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador hosted the Campeonato Baiano game between Bahia and Vitória. The 55,000-seat stadium, built as a replacement for the Estádio Octávio Mangabeira, will host six games in 2014, as well as three at this summer's Confederations Cup. 

No serious issues were reported at the inauguration, meaning fans were able to fully enjoy the Ba-Vi, one of Brazil's most historic clássicos. Not that 'enjoy' was the right word for Bahia fans, who watched their side slump to a galling 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Ruby-and-Blacks. Among the scorers for Vitória was Maxi Biancucchi, the cousin of one Lionel Messi. Brazilians will be hoping that success doesn't run in the family if Argentina show up at the Fonte Nova in 2014.

Redemption for Rhayner

There are dry spells and then there are dry spells. Just ask Fluminense forward Rhayner. Before this weekend the 22-year-old had failed to register for the Tricolor, whom he joined at the start of the year. That would have be fine, except for the fact that he hadn't managed to find the net in 34 games for former club Náutico either. And for the three clubs he represented before them (Figueirense, Linense, Tombense)? You guessed it: zero goals. His last strike had come back in January 2011.

It wasn't for lack of trying; Rhayner did well enough at Náutico to earn a move to Flu, and had been lively in the latter's early Campeonato Carioca games. When the reigning Brazilian champions were awarded a penalty against Macaé last month, there was only one logical candidate to take it. Rhayner duly missed.

So when the youngster fortuitously found the net with a cross-shot against Resende on Saturday, the relief was almost palpable. After two years and 83 games without a goal, even a subsequent injury couldn't quite take the smile off his face; he left the pitch visibly buoyed by the cheers of the crowd at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium. Perhaps now the floodgates will open.

*For more on this story, read chapter thirteen of Alex Bellos' excellent Futebol.

A version of this article was published by The Guardian here.

(Photo credits: (1) Paulo Sergio, (2) Vanderlei Almeida/AFP.)

Tears and fears as relegation looms for Palmeiras

Tears rolled down the faces of the Palmeiras fans gathered inside the Fonte Luminosa ("Luminous Fountain" - yes, really) stadium on November 4. With Botafogo leading 2-1, their side was taking another small but irreversible step toward the indignity of relegation from Brazilian football's top tier.

But these weren't tears of despair; rather, military police at the ground had resorted to the use of pepper spray after objects began to rain down onto the pitch, just the latest indignity suffered by supporters for whom sadness has given way to anger in recent weeks.

You can read the rest of this article at ESPN FC (né ESPN Soccernet) here.

Brazilian Football Digest: October

Enjoy Brazilian football but don't have time to watch/read about it as much as you'd like? Help is at hand, friend. I'll be writing a monthly digest for Betting Expert, in which I'll pick out the key stories and performers from Série A and the seleção.

My October round-up features an ageing playmaker, some handball nonsense, a tactical leap forward and some bloke called Neymar. Read it here.

Lionised but cast aside: Alex eyes up Brazil return after eight years in Turkey

“I’ve never cried as much as I did this week,” he sighed as the camera bulbs flashed. He won’t have been the only one. After a fruitful eight-year romance, Brazilian playmaker Alex finalised his departure from Fenerbahçe this week, leaving fans in Turkey to lament the loss of one of its biggest sporting stars.

I've written about Alex's legacy at Fener, as well as his possible destinations in Série A, for the folks over at A Football Report. Click here to read the article.

Captive Audience: On the Kidnapping of Jorge Valdivia

When Palmeiras midfielder Jorge Valdivia and his wife were kidnapped in June, the reaction in Brazil was bizarrely mixed. Whilst the vast majority expressed their sympathy with the player and his family, a vocal few bought into the notion that the Chilean had invented the incident in order to facilitate a move a way from Brazil. He wouldn't be the first to attempt such a deception: then-Botafogo defender Somália was proven to have lied to police over a similar claim in 2011. 

I've written an article about the Valdivia case - and the issue of kidnapping in Brazilian football more generally - for the latest issue of When Saturday Comes. The magazine is available at all good (and probably some mediocre) newsagents. Alternatively, you can purchase a digital edition or subscribe to the WSC iPhone/iPad app.

This One's for You, Doutor: Corinthians Seal Fifth Brazilian Title on Tense Final Day

With clenched fists raised skyward, the Corinthians faithful paid tribute to their fallen idol. Doutor Sócrates, that benchmark of humanity (and human excess) had taken his final breath on the morning of the Brazilian championship's final act. The simple gesture that took place at the Pacaembu brought a tear to the eye of the most hardened observer, and spoke volumes about the esteem in which the former seleção great was held. Further soul-searching, however, would have to wait: the Timão had business to attend to...

Corinthians 0-0 Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama 1-1 Flamengo
On a Sunday replete with derby matches, the league leaders hosted Palmeiras, hoping to secure local bragging rights as well as the Série A title. Vasco, who just about managed to keep their title hopes alive the previous weekend, could at least rely on Luiz Felipe Scolari's side to put up a decent fight in São Paulo. The task facing the Gigante da Colina, however, proved insurmountable.

É campeão! Corinthians players celebrate their title win.

Despite taking the lead through Diego Souza, Vasco never truly clicked into gear against Fla. The absences of Juninho Pernambucano and Éder Luís again robbed Cristóvão Borges' side of much of its creativity, leaving Alecsandro marooned in attack for long periods. Flamengo, who had been poor in a scrappy first half, improved significantly after the break. Vanderlei Luxemburgo's decision to introduce Deivid paid immediate dividends: the former Fenerbahçe striker ran onto Ronaldinho's lofted pass before squaring for Renato Abreu to equalise. That strike prompted groans among Vasco fans, many of whom had their ears glued to radios in anticipation of a goal in the Corinthians game.

That a goal never arrived in São Paulo owed more to luck than to judgement: Corinthians looked nervy from the off and soon found themselves pinned back by a wall of green. Palmeiras, inspired by Marcos Assunção and Patrik, worked the ball well in the opening period, coming close to opening the scoring on a handful of occasions. Corinthians were punch drunk, and would need a helping hand from the refereeing gods to recover. Jorge Valdivia's challenge on Jorge Henrique just after the interval was clumsy rather than dangerous, but earnt the Chilean an early bath.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Palmeiras continued to cause problems: Fernandão's clever header rattled back off the woodwork with Júlio César beaten, before Luan blasted over a presentable chance from the rebound. That was just about the last notable action of the game. Or rather, the last notable footballing action...

Quase: Vasco's bullet train stopped just short on Sunday.

Stereotypes can be vicious, harmful things. They can ruin reputations, hurt innocent parties, and obscure objective fact. Sometimes, however, they're totally accurate. The following statement is one such instance.

Important football matches in South America always (always, of course, is stereotype shorthand for sometimes) descend into violence.

It started with Corinthians defender Wallace, who was sent off for clattered Maikon Leite with a reckless lunge. (The latter has reason to be wary of such challenges, having spent months recovering from a horrifying knee injury in 2009. Warning - do not Google this image if you are of a sensitive disposition. Seriously.)

Then the real fun started. Having already contributed to Valdivia's dismissal, Jorge Henrique decided to really make the pantomime villain role his own, sparking a mass brawl by indulging in one of the dummy air-kicks made (in)famous by none other than Valdivia himself. The denouement? Red cards for João Vitor and Leandro Castán, and a likely knighthood for Jorge Henrique from the República Popular do Corinthians.

Not wanting to be outdone, the clássico carioca served up some indiscipline of its own. Renato Abreu received a second yellow card for diving and launched into an incredible tirade against the referee. Only the diligence of his teammates stopped the dispute descending into violence, with the incandescent Renato grappling to land a blow on the official. (The decision to dismiss the midfielder, incidentally, was spot on.)

All this nonsense ate up much of the time remaining in both matches. The final whistle blew in Rio, spelling the end of Vasco's title challenge, but the mood at the Engenhão remained one of proud celebration. Although their side came up short, the vascaínos present saluted their players for their efforts throughout the campaign. This has been a fantastic year for the Gigante da Colina, who picked up the Copa do Brasil title and reestablished themselves among the country's elite. They will expect to challenge again next term.

Corinthians president Andrés Sánchez (left) salutes coach Tite.

The major celebrations, though, were happening in São Paulo. Corinthians celebrated their fifth national title in fine style, fully justifying their banda de loucos ('group of madmen') nickname. Coach Tite, who has gradually won over the Fiel after a shaky start, was at the centre of the action, grinning from ear to ear in his Lothario-esque black shirt. This success owes much to his quietly forceful style, which has been reflected in his side's performances in the second half of the campaign. Although by no means head and shoulders above some of the competition's other outfits, Corinthians displayed the mettle and the consistency required to grind things out. They are, without doubt, worthy champions. Somewhere, a scruffy-looking philosopher of the game is smiling.

Brasileirão Gameweek 38 Round-up
Fluminense ended their campaign with a 1-1 draw against rudderless Botafogo, thus securing a respectable third-placed finish. Fred was on target once more for the Tricolor, but just fell short of Borges' haul of 23 goals this season. The latter, along with the majority of Santos' first choice eleven, was rested for the derby clash with São Paulo. Emerson Leão's charges ended a topsy-turvy year on a high note, romping to a 4-1 win in Mogi Mirim. Luís Fabiano bagged a brace in that one, and will likely be a crucial figure for São Paulo in 2012.

A penalty from Andrés D'Alessandro gave Internacional a narrow win over Grêmio, a result that puts them into next season's Libertadores. Figueirense and Coritiba, both of which were in with a chance of qualifying for the competition, dropped points against Atlético-PR and Avaí respectively. The latter two clubs will play in Série B next season along with Ceará (who lost to Bahia) and América-MG (who were thrashed by Atlético-GO).

Cruzeiro, who were hovering above the relegation zone before the final round, secured their top flight status in some style, beating bitter rivals Atlético-MG 6-1 at the Arena do Jacaré. Their final league position (16th), however, will hardly fill the Raposa faithful with pride: this was a side that started the year in imperious form, and was tipped by many to be title contenders. They will hope for much better next year.

Série A results: Corinthians 0-0 Palmeiras, São Paulo 4-1 Santos, Internacional 1-0 Grêmio, Cruzeiro 6-1 Atlético-MG, Atlético-GO 5-1 América-MG, Atlético-PR 1-0 Coritiba, Bahia 2-1 Ceará, Avaí 1-1 Figueirense, Botafogo 1-1 Fluminense, Vasco 1-1 Flamengo.

(Photo credits: (1) Nike, (2) Marco Terranova, (3) Marcos Ribolli.)

Title Race Goes Down to Wire as Top Three All Win; Guarani Relegated

The penultimate round of the 2010 Brasileirão saw all twenty clubs play simultaneously on Sunday evening. Leaders Fluminense and third placed Cruzeiro both came from behind to record wins, meaning that the title will be decided in the final rodada. Corinthians (who also picked up a victory) sit just one point behind Flu, with Cruzeiro a further point back. The battle for the final Libertadores spot (which will only be in play if Goiás fail to win the Copa Sul-americana final...I hope you're paying attention at the back) will also be resolved next week, as both Grêmio and Botafogo claimed maximum points. Things are a bit clearer at the bottom, where Guarani have now joined Grêmio Prudente and Goiás in being relegated to Série B. Atlético Mineiro are now safe, as are Flamengo and Avaí barring some cricket scores next week. That leaves only Vitória and Atlético-GO fighting it out for the sanctuary of 16th place; conveniently, those two will play each other next Sunday.

Palmeiras 1-2 Fluminense
Just like last week, Fluminense travelled to São Paulo to face a bitter rival of title challengers Corinthians. Just like last week, the fans of that team had spent most of the build-up to the game pleading their side to roll over and gift Flu the points. Just like last week, the home side's goal was greeted with a communal "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?" rather than genuine celebration. And just like last week, Fluminense eventually ran out comfortable winners, one step closer to a historic title.

If anything, the sense of inevitability surrounding this match was even more palpable than that which preceded the São Paulo game. Palmeiras players and staff were bitterly disappointed to lose their Copa Sul-americana semi-final with Goiás, and spent most of the week moaning about how demotivated they were for this clash. Luiz Felipe Scolari, though, contrary to expectations, fielded a strong side, including key players Kléber and Marcos Assunção. Fluminense, for the first time in months, boasted a full-strength attack; the quartet of Fred, Emerson, Deco, and Conca were able to start a match together for the first time.

Carlinhos (right) salutes the crowd after his equaliser.

Within minutes of kick-off, Palmeiras (decked out in a kit that made them look like the Ireland rugby team) went ahead. Some careless Tricolor defending allowed Dinei to steal the ball, before unleashing an impeccable half-volley into the top corner of Ricardo Berna's goal from 30 yards. A true golaço, and one which briefly suggested that this could be a closely-fought battle. What followed however, was total dominance by Fluminense. The visitors spurned a flurry of chances over the following minutes; Emerson saw his header come back off the bar, and Deco and Fred both wasted presentable chances. An equaliser soon arrived, though, and it was Carlinhos who made the breakthrough. The left-back made space for himself on the edge of the box before curling the ball neatly into the far corner.

Muricy Ramalho's side continued to boss things until the half-time whistle, but, as so often recently, lacked the ruthlessness that would have seen them rack up a hatful of goals; chances came and went for Fred, Conca, Emerson and Gum. The start of the second half followed much the same pattern, and eventually Fluminense bagged their second. Tartá, on as a sub for the injured Deco, collected a rebound and coolly beat Deola in the Palmeiras goal. That was the end of the contest; players from both sides spent the remaining thirty minutes jogging round, occasionally trying half-hearted passes to their teammates. Palmeiras forward Kléber, for instance, usually such a hard-worker, could barely even be bothered to disguise his lack of interest. It was a disappointingly predictable end to the match, but Fluminense will have no complaints; they remain in the box seat ahead of their final game against Guarani.

Gameweek 37 Round-up
Corinthians kept the pressure on Fluminense with a routine 2-0 win over Vasco in front of a rapturous crowd at the Pacaembu. The Timão went ahead when Bruno César's speculative cannoned off Dedé and slid under the body of Fernando Prass. It was the midfielder's 14th goal of the campaign. The victory was sealed in the second period, when Roberto Carlos' tempting cross was converted by Danilo at the far post. Corinthians will travel to play Goiás next week, hoping their rivals slip up.

Vasco's Zé Roberto is watched by Dentinho and Roberto Carlos.

Despite going behind to Diego Maurício's early strike (a simple finish after a lovely Diogo pass), Cruzeiro proved too much for Flamengo, claiming a 2-1 victory. Roger's deflected free-kick brought the Raposa level, before Thiago Ribeiro nodded home Walter Montillo's inch-perfect cross. Cruzeiro's local rivals Atlético Mineiro finally secured their Série A survival with a 3-1 win over Goiás at the Arena do Jacaré. Diego Souza slotted the Galo into an early lead, before Éverton Santos flicked home a clever equaliser. Dorival Júnior's men were not to be denied however; Renan Oliveira and Diego Tardelli both added emphatic finishes to seal the win. Much credit must be given to Dorival for turning round the club's fortunes since his arrival in September.

Botafogo earnt their first win in five games, overcoming Grêmio Prudente at the Engenhão. Prolific centre-back Antônio Carlos headed home his seventh of the season from a Lúcio Flávio corner to give O Glorioso the lead, before Edno rifled home a spectacular second. Willian José reduced the arrears with a fine lone-range strike, but Marcelo Cordeiro's spot kick put the game to bed. Joel Santana's men, though, must beat Grêmio in their final match in order to claim the final Libertadores spot, after the Porto Alegre side brushed aside Guarani. André Lima's simple header put the Tricolor ahead, before Jonas converted a penalty and young striker Diego added a breakaway third in the final minutes.

A hattrick from diminutive midfielder Caio inspired Florianópolis side Avaí to a stunning comeback victory over Santos. Some magical skill from Neymar allowed Keirrison to bundle home the opener, and Neymar himself put the Peixe two goals to the good with a typically cool finish. From there on in, however, Santos were forced to take a front row seat for the Caio show. The 30-year-old skipped past five challenges to knock home a glorious first, before smashing home two unstoppable drives from the edge of the area, one with either foot. It was a lovely way to ensure the club's continued Série A status.

Elias (left) celebrates his vital goal for Atlético-GO.

The remaining three games all finished as 1-1 draws. Rafael Santos gave Atlético Paranaense the lead over Ceará, but the Fortaleza club equalised thanks to Magno Alves' heavily deflected effort. At the Beira-Rio, it was Adaílton who smashed Vitória into the lead against Inter, only for Rafael Sobis to spare the Colorado's blushes with a well-taken solo goal. São Paulo took the lead in their clash with Atlético Goianiense when Rogério tucked home a penalty, but were pegged back by Elias' scuffed finish. Those results mean that Vitória's game against Atlético-GO is a straight shootout for survival. Vitória need to win that match; a draw would see Atlético survive due to having scored more goals, even though the teams have the same goal difference.

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

(Photo credits; (1) Ivan Storti, (2) Eduardo Viana, (3) Carlos Costa.)

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.)

Palmeiras and Avaí Through to Last 16 of Copa Sul-Americana

South America's secondary football competition slipped under the radar slightly this week, with the final of the Copa Libertadores understandably hogging the headlines. There were, however, two all-Brazilian second-leg clashes, from which Avaí and Palmeiras progressed to the round of sixteen.

Avaí 0-1 Santos (3-2 on aggregate)
Despite losing on the night to Santos, Avaí's impressive first leg performance proved to be enough to see them through to the next round. The Florianópolis side have rivalled Santos for attacking flair in recent weeks, and lined up at the Ressacada with their in-form attacking quartet of Davi, Robinho (formerly of Santos...no, not that Robinho), Vandinho and Caio. The Peixe, in the wake of the departures of Robinho (that Robinho), André, and Wesley, fielded what is now their strongest XI, hoping to stay in contention for their third title of 2010.

Avaí started with the bit between their teeth, and could twice have taken the lead through Patric and Rudinei. The opening goal, however, would go to Santos, and in some style. Marquinhos, regaining his starting spot (in my opinion, he's a far more useful player than Wesley, the midfielder who was keeping him out of the side) somehow produced an overhead-backheel-throughball (yes, you read that right), sending Zé Éduardo clear to slot past the goalkeeper. It looked as if a Santos comeback was on the cards, but the seasiders were frustrated for the rest of the tie, seeing chance after chance pass them by, and allowing Avaí to hold on for a narrow aggregate win.

Palmeiras fans salute goalkeeper Marcos on his 500th game for the club.

Palmeiras 3-0 Vitória (3-2 on aggregate)
Luiz Felipe Scolari, after a frustrating start as Palmeiras coach, guided his side to a second straight win, one which sees the Verdão through to the last sixteen of the competition. Despite resting a number of his star players (Kléber, Ewerton, Lincoln), the home side turning in a strong performance to knock out visiting Vitória.

In front of a packed Pacaembu (due largely to it being the 500th game of goalkeeping legend Marcos), Palmeiras took the lead on the stroke of half time. Marcos Assunção found Tadeu with a terrific pass, and the forward's finish bounced into the net despite a touch from Viáfara in the visitors' goal. Tadeu would go on to grab his second just after the interval, drilling home after Márcio Araújo's skewed shot. The scoring was completed in the final seconds when deadball specialist Marcos Assunção bent home a glorious free-kick from thirty yards.

(Photo credit; Tom Dib.)

São Paulo End Winless Run; All Square in Clássico Paulista

This Sunday in the Brasileirão had received plenty of hype during the previous week, with no fewer than four local derbies taking place around the country. Unfortunately, the day was rather a damp squib, with only three goals in those four matches. Fluminense were the only side in the top four to win, a result which sees them regain first position.

São Paulo 2-1 Ceará
Without a win since the 6th of June, the pressure was mounting on São Paulo coach Ricardo Gomes ahead of Saturday's tie with Ceará. With the all-important second leg of their Libertadores semi-final coming up on Thursday, there were suggestions that a loss here could spur the club's directors to dismiss Gomes and turn to another manager to motivate the team. This result, then, while potentially only a momentary moment of calm before the storm (should São Paulo lose to Inter), ought to steady the ship somewhat.

Ricardo Oliveira hurdles Diego after his delicate finish.

Gomes, usually a proponent of a 3-5-2 system, decided to alter the shape of his side, shifting Xandão to the right of a back four and moving Jean into midfield. The tactic worked early on; the midfield axis of Jean and Cléber Santana allowed Hernanes and the excellent Marlos more freedom to provide support to Fernandinho and débutant Ricardo Oliveira, the former Betis and Milan striker. The Tricolor looked lively and created a number of chances early on; only some wasteful finishing and some alert goalkeeping from Ceará's Diego kept the teams level.

The home side would have to wait until the second period to get the goal their play deserved. After 65 minutes, half time substitute Fernandão leapt in fine style to head home Hernanes' outswinging corner to send the Morumbi into raptures. Within three minutes, the lead was doubled. After the breakdown of a move in midfield, Ceará were left exposed as Dagoberto's precise through-ball released Ricardo Oliveira. The forward kept his nerve; clipping a fabulous finish over the 'keeper and into the net. The Vovô set a up a nervy climax to the game thanks to Erick Flores' well-taken finish, but São Paulo held on for a deserved win.

Palmeiras 1-1 Corinthians
Still looking for his first win on the Palmeiras bench (he watched Gameweek 8's victory over Santos from the stands), Luiz Felipe Scolari may harbour some regrets when he looks back on Sunday's clássico. Having recovered from a shaky start, the Verdão looked in good shape to snatch a victory in the second half, but had to settle for a point after some oddly negative substitutions disrupted their rhythm.

Corinthians, coached for the first time by Adílson Batista (an old cohort of Felipão's), took control early on, thanks largely to strong performances from Jucilei, Ralf, and Elias in midfield. Bruno César took up a more advanced role, charged with supporting Jorge Henrique and Iarley (the Brazilian Paul Dickov) in attack. That trio combined brilliantly to open the scoring after 20 minutes; Iarley played Bruno César into space down the right, and the No.10's low cross was flicked impudently home by Jorge Henrique. Replays showed the winger to have been marginally offside when Bruno delivered the cross.

Palmeiras' Kléber (left) holds off a challenge from Corinthians captain William.

Palmeiras, however, started to get a foothold in the tie. Playmaker Lincoln provided a headache for the Timão defenders, drifting into space and combining intelligently with Kléber in attack. On 33 minutes, Lincoln wriggled free of his marker and found Danilo on the right. The defender's tempting cross was powerfully met by Kléber, who brought a diving save from Júlio César in the Corinthians goal. The ball, however, fell kindly for Edinho, who smashed the ball home from close range.

For the remainder of the first period and the start of the second, Palmeiras looked by far the more likely to claim all three points; Ewerton twice had goals chalked off after straying offside. Strangely, though, Scolari decided to replace Lincoln, easily the Verdão's best performer, with youngster Tinga. Ewerton too was brought off minutes later. Surely enough, Palmeiras' threat (as well as the excitement of spectacle as a whole) was diminished, and the scoreline finished 1-1.

Gameweek 12 Round-up
Fluminense profitted from the Corinthians result to return to the top of Série A, beating Atlético-PR 3-1 at the Maracanã. Washington, making his second début for the club, netted a brace; two easy finishes after assists from the superb Darío Conca. The player they call Coração Valente (braveheart - the big forward overcame a heart problem to continue his career) then turned provider, playing in Emerson to smash home. Bruno Mineiro headed in a late consolation for the Furacão. In Saturday's final game, Guarani held Atlético-GO at the Serra Dourada. Rodrigo Tiuí put Atlético ahead with a diving header, but Mazola levelled with a fine individual effort.

Sunday, then; three more derbies, and only one more goal. Vasco earnt a creditable 0-0 draw with Flamengo at the Maracanã largely due to a sensational goalkeeping display from Fernando Prass. In one particular sequence towards the end of the game, the stopper managed to deny Vinícius Pacheco, Cristian Borja, and Juan, all of whom looked set to score. The draw maintains PC Gusmão's unbeaten record in this Brasileiro (both with Vasco and Ceará). In the Gre-Nal clássico in Porto Alegre, an Inter side lacking a number of titulares (rested ahead of the Libertadores clash with São Paulo) was held to a goalless draw by Grêmio at the Beira-Rio. In Sete Lagoas, it was Cruzeiro who scraped a 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in the Minas Gerais derby. Wellington Paulista's stunning long-range strike leaves the Galo languishing in 19th place.

Wellington shoots; the Cruzeiro striker (left) celebrates his winner.

In anticipation of Wednesday's Copa do Brasil final second leg, both Santos and Vitória lined up with weakened sides in their matches, against Grêmio Prudente and Botafogo respectively. Santos rode their luck to beat the Abelha 2-1 at the Prudentão. Midfielders Danilo and Rodriguinho both netted glorious efforts from distance to put the seasiders in the driving seat, but Róbson pulled one back for Prudente. The home side then had ample opportunity to get something from the game, but contrived to miss two penalties in the last five minutes. On a shocking Barradão surface, Vitória and Botafogo looked to be heading towards a goalless draw, but a crazy three minute period late on produced no fewer than three goals. After good work from Maicosuel (newly returned to the Engenhão club after a spell in Germany with Hoffenheim), Edno put the Glorioso ahead with a deadly volley. Júnior headed home an equaliser for Vitória, but Jóbson deftly turned home Marcelo Mattos' cross to restore Botafogo's lead. The win was secured in injury time, when Jóbson bagged his second of the match; smashing home despite the attentions of three defenders.

In the last of Sunday's games, Avaí continued their impressive progress up the table with a convincing 4-1 win over Goiás. Émerson headed the Leão da Ilha a ninth minute lead, before Davi benefitted from a botched clearance (which smashed into the face of an unlucky Goiás midfielder) to double the advantage just a minute later. The Goiás defenders were in a generous mood; Rafael Tolói gifted possession to Davi who rifled home the third. Bernardo pulled one back for the Esmeraldino with a delightful strike, but Robinho Signorini, a clever little player on loan from Santos, rounded off the scoring from close range.

(Photo credits; (1) Miguel Schincariol, (2) Eduardo Viana, (3) Ramon Bitencourt.)

Felipão Returns With Victory Over Santos; Ceará and Corinthians Remain Unbeaten

The Campeonato Brasileiro restarted on Wednesday, after a four week break for the World Cup. Ceará and Corinthians stuttered to a draw that gave Fluminense a chance to draw level on points at the top of the table, but the Tricolor could only manage a point against Grêmio Prudente. One team who did make up ground on the leaders was Palmeiras; now under new leadership...

Palmeiras 2-1 Santos
A derby between São Paulo giants is never an insignificant affair, but Thursday's meeting was lent added importance by the return of one of Brazil's most fêted managers; Luiz Felipe Scolari. Back for his second spell at the club, the appointment has been widely praised by fans eager to see Palmeiras recover from their recent wobbles. Felipão, however, is always in demand; the ink had barely dried on his two-year contract with the Verdão before there were calls for him to be named as Dunga's replacement as coach of the seleção. Scolari's comments in the media suggest this is unlikely; he hopes for a return to European management when his deal expires in 2012.

With the Palestra Itália undergoing a makeover, it was the Pacaembu which hosted the visit of Santos. The Peixe were without Robinho and Marquinhos, and Paulo Henrique Ganso was only fit enough for a place on the bench. For the (nominal) home side, Scolari was not the only returning hero; after a successful spell with Cruzeiro, o Gladiador Kléber started up front alongside Ewerton.

Ewerton celebrates his role in the new Adidas advert his opening goal.

It was the latter who, out of nothing, gave Palmeiras the lead on 13 minutes. After shifting the ball from under his feet, the former Borussia Dortmund man cracked a powerful drive into the top corner, giving Santos 'keeper Rafael no chance. The Peixe grew into the game before the break, but despite the probing of Madson, failed to create any clear-cut chances.

Palmeiras started the second period as they had the first; Rafael had to be at his best to deny Ewerton a second after some magical build-up involving Lincoln. Santos threatened through Maranhão's long-range effort, but were soon after exposed by a swift Palmeiras break. Débutant Tinga swapped passes with Kléber, before surging forward and hitting a low cross-shot which Edu Dracena diverted into his own net.

Dorival Júnior threw on Marcel to offer greater physical presence up front, much to the disgust of the departing Neymar. The Santos coach was vindicated, however, with 7 minutes to go; Marcel brought down a high ball and smashed a ferocious shot home via the crossbar. It would prove to be little more than a consolation, however; Felipão's charges move up to seventh in the table, level on points with the Peixe.

Ceará 0-0 Corinthians
Goalless it may have been, but Wednesday's game in Fortaleza was a competitive game between two teams at the head of the Brasileirão table. Ceará's impressive record this year, particularly at home, has been built on a tight defence and midfield, and it was clear that the Timão would have to be at their best to make a breakthrough. Injuries, however, meant that Mano Menezes was deprived of not only Ronaldo, but Dentinho and Jorge Henrique too.

Corinthians schemer Bruno César looks to launch an attack.

The replacement front three of Danilo, Iarley, and Matías Defederico struggled to make any headway against the home side's superb back line, meaning Corinthians were largely reliant on Bruno César to provide an attacking threat from midfield. It was he who produced the best effort on goal during the first period; unleashing a stinging drive that Diego did will to palm over. Ceará's best moments, as ever, came on the break; the combination of Misael and Oziel on the right frequently exposed Roberto Carlos' lack of pace, but some wasteful finishing saw the teams finish the half level.

The second half provided more of the same; Corinthians enjoyed ample possession but couldn't convert it into concrete chances. The entrance of veteran midfielder Tcheco and forward Souza gave the Timão more attacking presence, but in truth it was Ceará who could have stolen the three points. Late on, the mercurial Misael launched a delicate curling shot which Júlio César superbly tipped away. In the end, though, the draw was a fair result; one that sees both teams maintain their unbeaten records in Série A.

Gameweek 8 Round-up
On a laughable Maracanã pitch, Flamengo beat Botafogo 1-0 in the Clássico Carioca. A typically penetrative Petkovic through-ball sent Vinícius Pacheco clear on the left, and his cross was scuffed home by substitute Paulo Sérgio. It was a much-needed boost for a Rubro-Negro side shorn not only of Adriano and Vágner Love (who have both returned to European football) but of Bruno, the goalkeeper involved in the murder-mystery that has gripped Brazil in recent days.

Life after Love; Vágner's gone, but Paulo Sérgio sealed three points for Fla.

São Paulo slumped to a disappointing home loss to Avaí, who are now level on points with the Tricolor. Roberto cleverly converted Patric's drilled cross past Rogério Ceni for the opener, before Vandinho added a second on the break. Hernanes pulled one back with a sumptuous left-footed finish, but the home side couldn't find an equaliser. At the Serra Dourada, Goiás and Vasco played out a goalless draw so dull that I'd be doing you a disservice to elaborate on it.

New coach Cuca declared himself delighted with the efforts of his Cruzeiro players following a 2-0 win away to Atlético Paranaense. The Raposa took the lead when Wellington Paulista headed home Thiago Ribeiro's perfect cross, and sealed the win late on through new signing Robert (incidentally a dead-ringer for Jason Roberts).

There were mixed fortunes on Wednesday for the teams from Porto Alegre. Inter romped to an impressive 3-0 win against Guarani for only their third win of the campaign. Sandro blasted them ahead after good work from Kléber, and poacher extraordinaire Alecsandro added a second after Douglas could only palm Andrezinho's effort into his path. The scoring was rounded off by Taison, whose acceleration and cool finish brought back memories of his excellent form of a year ago. Grêmio, however, could only manage a 1-1 draw with Vitória at the Olímpico. The Tricolor needed an Egídio own-goal to level Wallace's first half opener.

Thursday saw Fluminense waste their chance to go joint top, after a late Grêmio Prudente goal denied them a win at the Maracanã. The Rio team took the lead when Fred headed home a Darío Conca free-kick, but were made to pay for not adding another; Wesley levelled with a fine individual goal with just 6 minutes remaining. Diego Tardelli was again the catalyst for Atlético Mineiro, as they ran out 3-2 winners over Atlético Goianiense. He bagged his first with a low drive after a clever run and dummy by Neto Berola, a new signing from Vitória. Marcão equalised for the visitors, but the Galo restored and then extended their lead within 7 minutes. Diego Tardelli converted from the spot after Neto Berola was brought down in the area, before loanee Ricardo Bueno headed a third. Rodrigo Tiuí pulled one back in the second period after a howler from Fábio Costa, but Atlético-MG held on for a deserved win.

(Photo credits; (1) Tom Dib, (2) Jarbas Oliveira, (3) Cleber Mendes.)