[Alexx]

Flamengo massacred, Atlético through
In one of the two games played in the Copa do Brasil tonight, Carioca champions Flamengo received a beating from Paulista vice-champions Santos. Dodô and Caio each scored twice to give Santos a virtually unassailable 4 x 0 lead to take to the second leg. In the other game, Atlético-MG and Fluminense drew 2 x 2, meaning that Atlético are through due to away average - they drew 3 x 3 in the first leg, with Fluminense playing at home.




Two more champions crowned in Brazil
As the State Championships draw to a close, two more teams were crowned champion tonight. The first was somewhat of a surprise, as small team Caxias drew 0 x 0 with giants Grêmio to lift the title, as they beat Grêmio 3 x 0 in the first leg of the Rio Grande do Sul Championship. But in Pernambuco the result was less of a surprise, as super-club Sport beat challengers Santa Cruz 3 x 2 to lift the trophy for the fifth year running.

 

[Alexx]

Flamengo could not seem to shrug off the effects of their celebrations over the state championship win last week. On the other hand, Santos recovered with a vengance from their defeat to Sao Paulo in the final of the Sao Paulo state championship. Santos was led by Caio and Dodo who were responsible for the 4 - 0 victory that practically guarantees the team’s classification for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil.


Flamengo tried their hardest to please the few supporters that turned out to watch them in Maracana for this first leg match. Petkovic crossed to Fabao after 25 minutes and missed a great oppportunity. It was the first and the last chance that Flamengo had in the game. Santos took advantage of Flamengo’s lack of attention and soared ahead.

Santos scored their first goal after 27minutes. Caio crossed from the right into the middle of the area. Dodo picked up on the cross despite slipping on the wet turf. The second goal was not long in coming. Caio dribbled past two opponents into the area. The former Flamengo player crossed to Dodo who once again ballooned the net after 32 minutes.

Flamengo’s last chance was a free kick taken by Petkovic, which hit the post of Carlos Germano’s goal. From that point on it was only Santos in the game.

In the second half Santos once again went on the attack down the right wing. Robert crossed to na unmarked Caio who volleyed the ball into the net. Number three for Santos, pratically guaranteeing their classification. The scoreline was kept to only four as the Columbian Rincon missed a penalty. The last goal was a classic.

After 23 minutes, Valdo took a corner for Caio to head in the fourth. Flamengo are practically out of the Copa do Brasil and their task next Saturday in Santos is a tough one.

The teams:
Flamengo: Clemer, Maurinho, Juan, Fabao, Mozart; Leandro Avila, Rocha, Beto, Petkovic (Lucio); Reinaldo and Tuta (Rodrigo Mendes).
Coach: Carlinhos.

Santos: Carlos Germano, Baiano, Andre Luis, Claudiomiro (Marcio Santos), Rubens Cardoso; Anderson Luis, Rincon, Valdo, Robert (Pia); Caio (Julio Cesar) and Dodo.
Coach: Giba.

 

[Ze da Fiel]

it was simply a walk on the park!
Dodo and Caio deadly!