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Brasileirão 2005 Week 23 Wrap [Wed Aug 31st, 2005]
Even without Robinho, Santos were able to count on the boy wonder’s momentum to haul in another three points at their Vila Belmiro feud. Corinthians, on the other hand, are experiencing a slump in both their play and their efficiency.
Corinthians (4th – 40), after a surge that saw them rake in the points and boost themselves to the very top of the table, are in danger of throwing away all the good work with a series of mediocre games. Botafogo (10th – 33) eked a point out of the ex-leaders at home in Pacaembu stadium in a strange draw that appeared more a pre-season friendly than a championship match.
Despite the customary strong Alvinegro presence in the terraces, the Timão were unable to reward their Fiel supporters with a win that would have maintained the top slot. With both Carlitos Tevez and playmaker Roger back on the field, Corinthians had their firepower assured, but with Sebá’s last-minute gaffe let in an equaliser that made it three all.
Down on the Paulista coast, Santos (1st – 42) entered the ‘post-Robinho’ era with a 2-0 win over Coritiba. Led by youngster GeÃÂlson, who inherited the boy wonder’s shirt as well as – in the premature view of many supporters – his mantle, the Peixe steamrollered their visitors to break two points free at the top of the Brasileirão. Both goals were scored by the new number 7 in the first half.
São Paulo (18th – 25) took a step closer to recovery from the post-Copa Libertadores curse that saw them plummet to the base end of the table. The 4-0 drubbing of Paraná Clube away in the southern state pulled the Tricolor Paulista out of the relegation swamp.
They were helped on their way by yet another Flamengo (19th – 25) slip-up against Figueirense, the Mengão losing out on tiebreak stats. Vasco (16th – 28) joined their rivals lamenting defeat, this time a worrying 4-2 loss to Fortaleza that dips the Maltese cross closer to relegation positions again.
Fellow Cariocas Fluminense (5th – 39) joined the ample list of those to bury Paysandu under an avalanche of goals. Without really breaking a sweat, Abel Braga’s men were pitiless in their exploitation of any mistake by the hapless visitors. The final score of 5-2 included home goals from Petkovic (the first for his new team), Gabriel, Tuta, Preto and Beto. Balão and Róbgol saved a slice of honour for the Papão.
Emerson Leão lost his green cherry in the national capital, finally beaten by zebras Brasiliense in their Boca do Jacaré stadium. The 3-2 result was a fair one given Palmeiras’ (8th – 35) good play and the hosts’ even better play. Igor (veteran Oseas’ sub) bagged himself a brace and the chance to be watched by spotters from larger clubs in the next few rounds.
Full Results
São Caetano 0 Goiás 1 [A. Campanella Stadium]
Atlético Paranaense 2 Juventude 2 [Arena Baixada Stadium]
Brasiliense 3 Palmeiras 2 [Boca do Jacaré Stadium]
Internacional 4 Cruzeiro 1 [Beira-Rio Stadium]
Paraná 0 São Paulo 4 [Willie Davids Stadium]
Flamengo 2 Figueirense 2 [Luso-Brasileiro Stadium]
Atlético Mineiro 1 Ponte Preta 0 [Mineirão Stadium]
Corinthians 3 Botafogo 3 [Pacaembu Stadium]
Santos 2 Coritiba 0 [Vila Belmiro Stadium]
Fortaleza 4 Vasco 2 [Castelão Stadium]
Fluminense 5 Paysandu 2 [Raulino de Oliveira Stadium]
Aaron Marcus
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