Teixeira escapes investigation

CBF President Ricardo Teixeira has escaped a judicial investigation into allegations of bribery following on from reports last week. On Tuesday, a court in Rio threw out a move made by the Federal Ministry of Public Affairs in 2008. Teixeira's lawyers had previously succeeded in delaying a decision on the process. This means that the Brazilian football chief will not be charged in Brazil with relation to allegations made on a BBC Panorama programme last week that he had received illegal payments from FIFA's defunct marketing partner ISL.


Teixeira received a hostile reception at awards

Teixeira is a member of the FIFA Executive Committee that last week controversially voted to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

On Monday, Teixeira was booed as he came on stage to present an award at Monday's 'Craque do Ano' (player of the year) ceremony in São Paulo.

Fluminense's midfielder Conca was named the Brazilian Championship's player of the year as was widely expected and also picked up the prestigious Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball) from Placar Magazine. The Argentine received a further boost on Tuesday when Argentina manager Sergio Batista said that the 27 year old had attracted his attention.

'I am keeping an eye on him. I've known him since he was in River Plate's youth ranks and he's always been a very interesting player. He's playing at a high level and that's why we have to follow him.' Batista told the Argentine sports newspaper Olé.


Conca with his awards

Conca's team-mate Mariano was named as right back in the Championship's team of the year. Santos' young Brazil international Neymar was selected up front along with league top scorer Jonas of Grêmio. Veteran Roberto Carlos was named as left back after his return to Brazil with Corinthians.

The full team as follows

Goalkeeper: Fábio, Cruzeiro
Centre back: Miranda, São Paulo
Centre back: Dedé, Vasco da Gama
Left back: Roberto Carlos, Corinthians
Right back: Mariano, Fluminense
Defensive midfielder: Elias, Corinthians
Defensive midfielder: Jucilei, Corinthians
Attacking midfielder: Conca, Fluminense
Attacking midfielder: Montillo, Cruzeiro
Striker: Neymar, Santos
Striker: Jonas, Grêmio

Manager: Muricy Ramalho, Fluminense

Fluminense seal title with 1-0 win

Fluminense won their first Brazilian Championship for 26 years amidst jubilant scenes at the Engenhão stadium in Rio on Sunday. A goal from striker Emerson after 61 minutes was enough to give Flu a nervy 1-0 win over relegated Guarani. Fellow title contenders Cruzeiro came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 at home to keep the title in the balance right up to the final whistle. Corinthians' title hopes ended with a 1-1 draw at Goiás, which saw them fall to third in the final table despite having led only two weeks ago.

Emerson (centre) celebrates the goal that won the league title.

Flu had much the better of possession in the first half but created few clear chances against a determined Guarani side. 40,000 expectant home fans grew ever more nervous and this clearly started to show in the play of their heroes the longer the game remained scoreless. The 0-0 scoreline at halftime was not in the script. The tension was relieved 16 minutes into the 2nd half. Carlinhos's cross from the left was met by a scuffed header from Washington which fell for Emerson to volley through the goalkeeper's legs from six yards out. On course for the title, Flu avoided the temptation of playing recklessly during the final half hour. The home side played cautiously and while they had few chances to extend their lead, Guarani rarely threatened to spoil the party. The final whistle was met with a massive outpouring of joy from the home fans but there was no pitch invasion in contrast to other recent title celebrations. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-fluminense-1-x-0-guarani-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387670/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/1

Coach Muricy Ramalho claimed his fourth Brazilian title in five years adding to the three he won with São Paulo. After the match he claimed that he had played a large part in his side's success.

'I always say that the manager doesn't have to interfere a lot. However, this team needed me and I gave everything to it.'

 His side deserve the title for being the consistently the most complete and best organised side throughout the season. His team built mainly around the talents of experienced players like Washington, Fred, Deco and in particular Conca, has not always been the most entertaining but have played the most effective football. With few young starlets it is possible that his team won't be broken up as quickly as other recent champions.

Cruzeiro finished second after they came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 with goals from Henrique and Wallyson. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-cruzeiro-2-x-1-palmeiras-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387710/#busca=cruzeiro

Corinthians fell from second to third in the final table as they could only draw 1-1 away to Goiás. Felipe Amorim for Goiás and Dentinho both scored in the first half. 3rd place means that Corinthians will now need to take part in the preliminary round of next year's Copa Libertadores while Cruzeiro go straight to the group stage. Highlights here.
http://globoesporte.globo.com/jogo/brasileirao2010/05-12-2010/goias-corinthians.html


Beneath the title chasers Grêmio secured a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Botafogo in the fourth place decider.The goals came from Douglas, Andre Lima and Jonas. With his goal, Jonas finished as the league's top scorer with 23 goals. It caps a remarkable turnaround for Grêmio since Renato Gaúcho took over as manager halfway through the season when they were in the relegation zone. They will qualify for next season's Libertadores provided that Independiente defeat Goiás in the final of the Copa Sulamericana. See the goals here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/os-gols-de-gremio-3-x-0-botafogo-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387718/#/Futebol/page/1

In the relegation decider Atlético Goianense drew 0-0 away to Vitória in Salvador. The draw was enough for Atlético to survive and condemn their hosts to life in Serie B next season. Goiás, Guarani and Grêmio Prudente were condemned to relegation before today. Last season's champions, Flamengo eventually finished in 14th just two points above the drop zone in what has been an underwhelming season for Brazil's most popular club. 


Final table

Rnk↓		Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
1		Fluminense	38	20	11	7	62	36	26	71
2		Cruzeiro	38	20	9	9	53	38	15	69
3		Corinthians	38	19	11	8	65	41	24	68
4		Grêmio	38	17	12	9	68	43	25	63
5		Atlético-PR	38	17	9	12	43	45	-2	60
6		Botafogo	38	14	17	7	54	42	12	59
7		Internacional	38	16	10	12	48	41	7	58
8		Santos	38	15	11	12	63	50	13	56
9		São Paulo	38	15	10	13	54	54	0	55
10		Palmeiras	38	12	14	12	42	43	-1	50
11		Vasco da Gama	38	11	16	11	43	45	-2	49
12		Ceará	38	10	17	11	35	44	-9	47
13		Atlético-MG	38	13	6	19	52	64	-12	45
14		Flamengo	38	9	17	12	41	44	-3	44
15		Avaí	38	11	10	17	49	58	-9	43
16		Goianense	38	11	9	18	51	57	-6	42
17		Vitória	38	9	15	14	42	48	-6	42
18		Guarani	38	8	13	17	33	53	-20	37
19		Goiás	38	8	9	21	41	68	-27	33
20		Grêmio Prudente	38	7	10	21	39	64	-25	28

Fluminense set to Conca

Fluminense go into today's last round of matches knowing that a win at home to relegated Guarani will hand them their first national title since 1984. Should they succeed, it will be in no small part due to their attacking midfielder Dario Conca. The 27 year old Argentinian is also favourite to secure the Brazilian player of the year award later this week, the first non Brazilian to do so since Carlos Tevez in 2005.


Key to Fluminense's success, Conca.

Conca came through the youth ranks at River Plate but never established himself in the first team there. He was loaned out to a string of clubs across South America becoming something of a journeyman. Ironically, he caught the attention of Fluminense when he impressed during a loan spell at their Rio rivals Vasco da Gama. Flu signed him for the start of the 2008 season and was part of the team that reached the final of the Copa Libertadores that year. A classical playmaker who possesses the full range of skills, has flourished under Muricy Ramalho. He has weighed in with nine goals of his own during this year's Brazilian Championship as well as being the fulcrum of the team. Surprisingly he has never been called up by his country and perhaps never will be given the depth of talent that Argentina possess in his position. A belated move to Europe is perhaps a greater possibility.

Corinthians and Cruzeiro will be hoping to take advantage should Fluminense fail to win today. I have examined the scenarios below. This is the current league table. Where teams are tied on points, they are separated first on wins then goal difference then goals scored.

Rnk↓		Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
1		Fluminense	37	19	11	7	61	36	25	68
2		Corinthians	37	19	10	8	64	40	24	67
3		Cruzeiro	37	19	9	9	51	37	14	66

For Fluminense to win the title

A win over relegated Guarani will hand the Rio club the title regardless of other results. A draw will be enough only if Corinthians and Cruzeiro both fail to win. Should Flu lose, then they would need Corinthians also to lose and Cruzeiro to fail to win.

For Corinthians to win the title

Fluminense must lose or draw for Corinthians to stand any chance of winning the league. A victory for Corinthians away to relegated Goiás would give them the title if Flu draw or lose. A draw would be enough  to hand Corinthians the title on goal difference or goals scored should Cruzeiro fail to win and Flu lose although in an unlikely situation Flu could still take the title if they scored at least three goals in defeat and lost by a margin of one.

For Cruzeiro to win the title

Cruzeiro must win at home to Palmeiras and hope that Fluminense and Corinthians both fail to win to stand any chance of the title. However, any combination of draws and defeats for the other two will give Cruzeiro the title so long as they win. For example, if Cruzeiro win and the other two draw, Cruzeiro and Fluminense would be level on 69 points but Cruzeiro would have more total victories which is the first tie breaker used in this competition. Cruzeiro's chances have been boosted by the fact that Palmeiras manager Luis Felipe Scolari has chosen a reserve team for what is a dead rubber for his midtable side.

Beneath the title chasers, Grêmio host Botafogo in Porto Alegre in a decider for fourth and the final Copa Libertadores place. Botafogo must win to steal the slot in South America's premier club competition in 2011 from the Gremistas.

At the bottom Vitória host Atlético Goiano in Salvador in a decider for the last relegation place. Vitória must win to avoid relegation and send Atlético Goiano into next year's Serie B. A draw would be enough to ensure Atlético's survival.

All matches begin at 5pm Brasilia time, 7pm GMT, 8pm CET, 2pm EST. I will blog later tonight on the outcome.

Teixeira faces new corruption probe on eve of World Cup vote

Ricardo Teixeira, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is facing a new investigation into his allegedly corrupt dealings with FIFA's defunct marketing partner ISL according to a report in Wednesday's Folha de São Paulo newspaper.


Teixeira stands accused of receiving kickbacks from ISL

A committee of the Brazilian Congress has alleged that Teixeira's company RLJ received 2.9 million Reais (around $2m US) in bribes from ISL via the Liechtenstein based company SANUD between 1992 and 1997. The Congress committee filed a complaint to the Rio de Janeiro public prosecutor's office in 2008 but Teixeira's lawyers sought habeas corpus which effectively delayed proceedings. Folha de São Paulo reports that  a decision will be made next Tuesday on whether an investigation will proceed.

This follows on from a BBC Panorama documentary broadcasted on Monday that named Teixeira as one of three FIFA executive committee members accused of receiving illegal payments from ISL. The three deny any wrongdoing and claim that they have been exonerated by previous investigations.

The embarassing news for Teixeira comes on the eve of the votes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. Teixeira has one of the 24 votes that will decide who will follow Brazil as the hosts of the next two World Cup finals. The man who runs Brazilian football has not publicly revealed his voting intentions but he is believed to favour the joint Spain/Portugal bid for 2018. The Brazilian national team has played two friendlies in Qatar in the past year which may tend to suggest that Teixeira will support the gulf state's claim for 2022.

Originally a lawyer, Teixeira has been in charge of Brazilian football since 1989. He had never worked in football before becoming CBF president but conveniently he was the son in law of then FIFA president João Havelange. He was due to stand down in 2011 but his term was recently extended so that he could oversee Brazil's organisation of the 2014 World Cup, the first to be held in South America since 1978. The coutry's preparations have been dogged by delays and arguments over funding. Earlier this year FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke claimed, 'It is incredible how behind Brazil is...Many deadlines have gone by and nothing has happened. Brazil is not on the right track.' An investigation into his past business dealings is probably the last thing that Teixeira needs right now.

Top three win to set-up decisive final day

The three teams remaining in contention for the 2010 Brazilian title all won on Sunday. Leaders Fluminense won 2-1 away to Palmeiras to maintain a one point advantage over Corinthians who defeated Vasco da Gama 2-0 at the Pacaembu. Cruzeiro remain in the hunt a further point back after a 2-1 win against last year's champions Flamengo.

Fluminense came from behind against Palmeiras, who took an early lead thanks to magnificent strike from Dinei from the right corner of the penalty box. Carlinhos equalised for Fluminense with an almost equally good shot. His effort from 18 yards out flew over Deola in the Palmeiras goal and into the top right hand corner.


Carlinhos (number 6) celebrates his equaliser

Fluminense proceeded to have the best of the chances and most of the possession for the rest of the game. Tarta, on as substitute for the injured Deco, hit what proved to be the winner 13 minutes into the second half. Márcio Araújo's powerful shot was parried by Deola. Tarta responded quickest to the rebound and slotted his shot past the keeper and into the net. Goals and highlights here http://video.globo.com/Videos/Player/Esportes/0,,GIM1383377-7824-OS+GOLS+DE+PALMEIRAS+X+FLUMINENSE+PELA+RODADA+DO+BRASILEIRAO,00.html

The result means that Fluminense know that if they beat relegated Guarani at the Engenhão next Sunday they will secure their first national title since 1984.

Corinthians will be hoping to take advantage should Flu slip up on Sunday. They remain in contention thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Vasco da Gama at the Pacaembu. Bruno Cesar gave o Timão they lead 6 minutes before halftime with a comical goal. His shot from outside the area was deflected by Vasco defender Dedé through the legs of his goalkeeper Fernando Prass and into the net. 12 minutes into the second half, Danilo rose to head in Roberto Carlos' cross to make it 2-0. Goals and highlights here http://video.globo.com/Videos/Player/Esportes/0,,GIM1383385-7824-OS+GOLS+DE+CORINTHIANS+X+VASCO+PELA+RODADA+DO+BRASILEIRAO,00.html

Corinthians are one point behind and need to better Fluminense's result next Sunday. They are away to relegated Goiás.


Danilo celebrates the winner.

Cruzeiro still have an outside chance of snatching the title on the final day thanks to a 2-1 win away to Flamengo. Diego Mauricio gave Flamengo the lead after nine minutes in the match being played in Volta Rendonda rather than Flamengo's usual Maracaná home. Roger equalised 6 minutes later for Cruzeiro. Thiago Ribeiro scoored the winner for the Raposa in the second half. Goals and highlights here. http://video.globo.com/Videos/Player/Esportes/0,,GIM1383383-7824-OS+GOLS+DE+FLAMENGO+X+CRUZEIRO+PELA+RODADA+DO+BRASILEIRO,00.html

The result leaves Cruzeiro on 66 points, one behind Corinthians and two behind Fluminense. Cruzeiro are at home to Palmeiras on the final day. Last year's champions Flamengo are only two points and two places above the relegation zone but cannot go down as the two teams beneath them, Vitoria and Atlético Goiano meet on the final day to decide who takes the last relegation place.

Grêmio remain in fourth and in pole position for the last Libertadores Cup place with a 3-0 win away to Guarani in Campinas. Goals from André Lima, Diego and a penalty from league top scorer Jonas mean that Guarani join Goiás and Grêmio Prudente in the second division next year. See the goals here http://video.globo.com/Videos/Player/Esportes/0,,GIM1383393-7824-OS+GOLS+DE+GUARANI+X+GREMIO+PELA+RODADA+DO+BRASILEIRO,00.html 

Grêmio face a decisive fixture at home to fifth place Botafogo on the final day. A draw will be enough for the Immortal Tricolors to secure fourth over the only team who can now overtake them.  

São Paulo celebrate defeat as Fluminense return to the top

Fluminense won 4-1 away to São Paulo on Sunday. The result was celebrated by fans of São Paulo as their arch rivals Corinthians were knocked off top spot. O Timão could only manage a 1-1 draw away to struggling Vitória. With two games remaining, Fluminense lead Corinthians by one point with Cruzeiro a further point back after their 3-1 win over Vasco da Gama.


Gum celebrates Fluminense's first goal

In the first half, Fluminense squandered several good chances before defender Gum headed in a corner to give them the lead after 35 minutes. Ten minutes into the second half Lucas Gaúcho equalised for the home side with a clever backheel. The game turned when both Xandão and Richarlyson were sent off in quick succession to leave São Paulo with nine men. Fluminense took advantage with three goals in the last 20 minutes. Two great goals from midfielder Conca and one from Fred gave Fluminense a comfortable win that was celebrated by both sets of fans. See highlights here. http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-sao-paulo-1-x-4-fluminense-pela-36-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1379184/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/3

Corinthians dropped two points with a 1-1 draw away to Vitória in Salvador to concede first place. Danilo shot home Roberto Carlos' through ball to give Corinthians the lead after twenty minutes. However, Vitória's goalkeeper Viáfara equalised from the penalty spot two minutes before half time. In the second half, Vitória had a goal disallowed and the better of the chances to win. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-vitoria-1-x-1-corinthians-pela-36-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1379188/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/3 . The result kept alive Vitória's chances of avoiding relegation. They occupy 17th place, the last relegation place but they are tied on points with the two teams above them Avaí and Atlético Goiano.

Ronaldo limped off after 27 minutes of the game and is now doubtful for the two remaining league fixtures. More bad news for Corinthians came on Monday when Palmeiras manager Luis Felipe Scolari hinted that he would field a reserve team against Fluminense next Sunday as his team focusses on the Copa Sulamericana.

Cruzeiro remain in title contention thanks to a 3-1 win at home to Vasco da Gama. First half goals from Roger, Henrique and Ed Carlos for the Belo Horizonte club with Renato Augusto scoring a consolation for Vasco. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-cruzeiro-3-x-1-vasco-pela-36-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1379239/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/page/4

Grêmio moved into fourth place and the last Copa Libertadores place with the help of their arch enemies Internacional. Grêmio climbed from sixth place overtaking Atlético Paranaense, who they defeated 3-1 in Porto Alegre on Saturday and Botafogo who lost 2-1 to Inter in Rio on Sunday.

Subdued Brazil return home but one man is smiling

Following on from their 1-0 defeat the coaching staff and the eight Brazil based players in the national squad flew back to São Paulo on Thursday. One unwelcome passenger on the flight was Argentina and Internacional's Andrés D'Alesandro. The player who appeared as a substitute in Wednesday's game emerged grinning from the baggage reclaim wearing a sky blue Argentina jacket. As he rushed to meet his connecting flight to Porto Alegre, he gave his reaction to the result.

'It was good. It was very good.'


D'Alessandro (above) couldn't hide his glee

A downbeat Mano Manezes did not say anything to a waiting scrum of journalists and photographers. Amusingly, he managed to walk into a glass door at the exit as he tried to escape from the melée.

Elsewhere, Ronaldinho was pleased with his return to the Brazil team but disappointed with the defeat.

'We were sad about the result. However, the team had spent very little time training together as is always is with the national team. I'm happy to have come back but sad about the defeat.' said the Milan player.

On Thursday Brazil's women gained a sliver of revenge for their male counterparts. They defeated Argentina 4-0 in the second stage of the Women's Copa America in Bolivia.

Late Messi goal gives Argentina win

Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in Doha thanks to an injury time winner from Lionel Messi. The result brings to an end Mano Manezes winning start as Brazil manager.


Messi celebrates the winner

Messi's winner came 46 minutes into the second half. After receiving the ball from Ever Banega in the centre circle he dribbled 30 yards from right to left. He went past both Brazil's centre backs before slotting a shot to the right of Brazil goalkeeper Victor from the edge of the penalty area. See the goal here complete with commentary from Globo's Galvão Bueno.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR_4MUotG58

Otherwise Brazil had the better of the chances with Dani Alves hitting the bar and Ronaldinho going close on a couple of occasions in the first half. Brazil lost their rhythm in the second half and created few chances as Argentina grew in confidence before Messi stole the show.

After the match, Brazil centre back David Luiz reflected that both teams had accepted a 0-0 before a misplaced pass from Brazil substitute Douglas led to the Messi goal.

'Both teams had already settled for a draw. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal that came when we were in possession. This serves as a lesson for the future.' said the Benfica defender.

This was Argentina's first win against Brazil in five attempts. Their last victory came in 2005. Coincidentally Brazil's and Argentina's next opponents also met tonight. In February Brazil travel to Paris to play France who defeated England 2-1 at Wembley where Argentina will play England also in February.

This blog will feature further reaction to the result tomorrow.

Brazil: 4-3-1-2
Victor; Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, André Santos; Lucas; Ramires (Jucilei), Elias; Ronaldinho (Douglas); Neymar (André), Robinho
Manager: Mano Manezes

Argentina: 4-2-3-1
Romero; Zanetti, Burdisso, Pareja, Heinze; Banega, Mascherano; Messi, Pastore (D'Alessandro), Di María; Higuaín (Lavezzi)
Manager: Sergio Batista

Ronaldinho returns as Brazil prepare for Argentina

Brazil manager Mano Manezes has recalled Ronaldinho to the starting line-up for tomorrow night's friendly against Argentina in Qatar. The 30 year old will partner his Milan team mate Robinho and highly rated Santos youngster Neymar in a three man attack. Ronaldinho was often ignored by previous manager Dunga. He was left out of the World Cup squad and hasn't featured since a qualifier against Peru in April 2009.


Ronaldinho (left) will be looking to repay the faith of Mano Manezes (right)

Elsewhere, Manezes continues to experiment with new blood to mark a clear break with the Dunga era. Grêmio goalkeeper Victor wins a fourth cap with Benfica's David Luiz and Fenerbahce's Andre Santos at centre back. Dani Alves will play on the right flank with Thiago Silva on the left. In midfield, Chelsea's Ramires will start alongside two of Manezes former protegés Elías and Lucas. Manezes coached Elías at Corinthians until this summer. Lucas was a key player in his Grêmio side that famously won promotion with seven men in 2005 and reached the Copa Libertadores final two years later helping to cement both their reputations. Manezes recently said that Lucas and Neymar were the future of Brazilian football.

After three impressive friendly wins in charge against USA, Iran and the Ukraine, Manezes promised that Brazil will try to produce style as well as substance against Argentina.

'We still think that winning is important but to me it seems we have to offer something more than victory. It is not always possible to do this but we will try to win, to play well and to offer the fans of the world everything that they have always seen from the Brazilian national team', said the manger in Tuesday's press conference.

Argentina will surely present Brazil with their toughest challenge since the World Cup. Manager Sergio Batista has not yet named his team for his first game in charge since being given the job on a permanent basis but is expected to name a strong lineup. Lionel Messi should play just behind Gonzalo Higuaín up front with Tevez and Aguero unavailable. As caretaker, Batista's team impressively beat world champions Spain 4-1 in Buenos Aires but lost their most recent friendly 1-0 to Japan.

Brazil has won three of the last four encounters between the two countries, the most recent being a 3-1 win in Rosario, Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in September 2009. The fierce rivalry between the two football teams should ensure that this is a keenly fought contest in Doha. Tomorrow's venue also staged a friendly between Brazil and England last year as the gulf state bids to host the 2022 World Cup. The match kicks off at 9pm local time(7pm GMT, 5pm Brasilia) when the temperature will have settled at a resonably comfortable 22 degrees.

Ronaldo sends Corinthians top as Flu falter

Corinthians have taken command of the Brazilian Championship after the weekend's results. Corinthians went top after a 1-0 win over Cruzeiro thanks to a controversial late penalty by Ronaldo. Fluminense had the chance to re-gain the lead on Sunday but could only draw 1-1 at home to struggling Goiás.



Corinthians and Cruzeiro were tied on points in 2nd and 3rd place going into the match at the Pacaembu in São Paulo. The game remained scoreless until three minutes from the end when Corinthians were awarded what appeared a soft penalty. Ronaldo fell as he went up for a header with Cruzeiro defender Gil. Referee Sandro Meira Ricci pointed to the spot and sent off Gil for a second booking. Cruzeiro's players surrounded the referee in protest but to no avail. Ronaldo sent Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabío the wrong way to give Corinthians the lead. Cruzeiro continued to protest after the goal and manager Cuca was sent to the stands by Mr Ricci. See the video of the incident here.

http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/o-gol-de-corinthians-1-x-0-cruzeiro-pela-35-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1374860/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/1

Fluminense failed to return to the top after a 1-1 draw at home to relegation threatened Goiás. In a defensive battle, Rafael Moura gave the away side the lead after 19 minutes with a header and they continued to frustrate Flu for most of the match. Eventually, Conca rescued a point for the home side with a slightly less controversial penalty six minutes from the end. Fluminense pressed in vain for a late winner.



http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/os-gols-de-fluminense-1-x-1-goias-pela-35-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1375092/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/1

The results leave Fluminense on 62 points a point behind Corinthians with three games remaining. Cruzeiro are two points further behind. Botafogo could only manage a 2-2 draw away to Ceará and appear out of the title race on 56 points. They were overtaken by Atletico Paranaense on total wins who moved a step closer to a Copa Libertadores place with a 2-1 over Grêmio Prudente.

Brazil face Paraguay in Copa America opener

Holders Brazil have been drawn to face Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela in the first round of the 2011 Copa America to be held in Argentina. Paraguay, who like Brazil reached the quarter finals of this year's World Cup, will probably provide the stiffest opposition in their second match. Brazil will open their tournament against Venezuela in La Plata on the 3rd of July before travelling to Cordoba to face Paraguay on the 9th and then Ecuador on the 13th. All three opponents took points off Brazil during the qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup which perhaps indicates that progress may not necessarily be smooth for Mano Menezes' side.



Tonight's draw in La Plata also saw the hosts Argentina drawn against Colombia, Bolivia and guest side Japan, who recently beat Argentina in a friendly. In the final group, World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay were drawn against Mexico, Peru and Chile. The tournament will begin on the first of July with the final at the River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires on Sunday the 24th of July.

Muricy Ramalho, the man who turned down Brazil, on brink of glory

In July this year, Fluminense manager Muricy Ramalho was offered the biggest job in Brazilian and possibly World football, coach of the Brazilian national team. He refused the offer, preferring instead to honour his contract with Fluminense. Today, his side lead the Brazilian league by one point with just four games remaining. If they finish top it would be only the Rio club's second national title and their first since 1984. Remarkably, it would be Ramalho's fourth in the last five years.



After Brazil's poor showing at this year's World Cup and Dunga's subsequent dismissal, the search begun for a new manager. Ramalho emerged as a leading candidate. As coach of São Paulo, he had won the national title three years in a row in 2006, 2007 and 2008. This was a level of dominance unheard of in the fluctuating world of Brazilian domestic football. Towards the end of July, CBF president offered him the once in a lifetime opportunity to lead the national team for the next four years through to the 2014 World Cup where they would be hosts and likely favourites. Amazingly he refused the offer citing the fact that he was already under contract.

He revealed a week later in an interview with the Record TV network that it had a been a difficult decision.

"I was sad and in truth I am still very sad. Who is it that doesn't want to be remembered? To be remembered is a great thing. Imagine having this offer. So, imagine how I felt...I was awake almost all night. The morning arrived and I still couldn't sleep."

It is surprising that he showed such loyalty to his club. Even more surprising when you consider that he has first hand experience of the fickle nature of management in Brazilian domestic football. After winning three titles in a row with São Paulo, he was abrubtly sacked in May 2009 after his fourth unsuccessful Copa Libertadores campaign. An unsuccessful six month spell at Palmeiras followed before another he was fired again. He had only been Fluminense manager since April this year when the Brazil offer came. Who was to say that another poor run of results would not lead to another quick dismissal?

His faith in Fluminense appears to be paying off. He has assembled a solid if unspectacular side that has the best defensive record in the league. He has helped convince Juliano Beletti and Brazilian born Portugal international Deco to return home from Chelsea and bolster the midfield. Up front the attack is built around veteran target man Washington who is ably supported by former Lyon striker Fred, another player who has flourished since returning from Europe.

Fluminense's final four games include two tough away trips to two of his former clubs Palmeiras and São Paulo. Corinthians and Cruzeiro are just a point behind in the table and have both won the title more recently. It won't be easy but Muricy Ramalho has been in these situations before and who would bet against him coming out on top again?

Robinho and Pato send Milan top

Goals from Brazilians Robinho (above) and Alexandre Pato helped Milan to a 3-1 win against Palermo in Serie A on Wednesday night. The result combined with Lazio's surprise defeat away to Cesena sent the Rossineri to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Pato opened the scoring after 19 minutes with a header. Armin Bacinovic equalised for Palermo early in the second half so that the result remained in the balance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Milan the lead before Robinho sealed the win with a low shot after 83 minutes. Robinho having been introduced from the bench only three minutes earlier. Of Milan's other Brazilians, Thiago Silva played 90 minutes but Ronaldinho, recently recalled to the Brazil squad was an unused substitute.