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.