Marking your card #12

A quick whizz round to pick out the picks of this weekend's viewing and it's an international football tournament frenzy!

Yes, the Oceania Nations Cup final is on Sunday! Now, since Australia decided to bunk up with the Asian Federation, this is basically New Zealand's tournament. They're the only side in there with any significant number of professionals. Qualification for the last four - the tournament run along the lines of the pre-1980 European Championships - is based on World Cup qualifying results and New Zealand duly topped their group ahead of the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Tahiti won Group A from New Caledonia with Vanuatu and whipping boys Samoa trailing in behind. The finals are taking place in the Solomon Islands and the semis were in the wee hours of this morning. Tahiti beat the hosts 1-0, but New Zealand crashed spectacularly against the tiny French dependency of New Caledonia. The final then sees the current and former French colonies face off, Tahiti probably favourites, with New Zealand and the Solomons contesting third place. Both games are on Sunday in a double-header at Honiara.

World Cup qualification for Brazil is in full swing with matches all over the world. In Africa, it's the second round of fixtures in the second group stage. The picks here are Morocco v Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia v Ghana and South Africa v Botswana on Saturday Mali v Algeria on Sunday. Venezuela v Chile is the pick of the South Amercian qualifiers along with Uruguay v Peru, but most eyes will be on a friendly between Argentina and Brazil in New Jersey. Th third round of CONCACAF qualifying gets underway as well, the USA at home to Antigua and Barbuda in what, population-wise, is a total mismatch. Of the region's bigger players, Canada look to have the easier group and they start away to Cuba.

League action does continue and there are three games to go in the Argentine Clausura. Boca have opened up a three-point lead at the top and face rock bottom Banfield, without a win in five, this weekend. Tigre and Arsenal are the nearest challengers with the latter's game against Argentinos Juniors the pick of the round. In Brazil, champions Corinthians got their first point of the season in this morning's game against Figueirense, but it's Vasco da Gama leading the way with three from three so far. They're away to Bahia this week, but most eyes will be on Palmeiras against Atlético Mineiro where a certain Ronaldinho Gaucho will make his first appearance for Atlético-MR following his sensational sacking by Flamengo. His former employers are at home to Coritiba.

Sampdoria take a 3-2 lead into the second leg of the Serie B promotion play-off final with Varese. It's all all-square in the Segunda Division play-off semis in Spain where Hércules and Alcorcón are locked at 1-1 and Real Valladolid and Córdoba are goalless ahead of Sunday's return legs. Nacional take on Defensor Sporting, who finished top, in the Uruguayan Clausura final.

Finally, there's a tiny wee competition in Poland and the Ukraine you may have heard about that starts today. Pick of the weekend's fixtures are Spain v Italy on Sunday and Saturday's Group B fixtures. It is, statistically speaking, the most morbid group of death in international football history with Portugal ranked 10th in the world, Denmark 9th, Germany 3rd and the Netherlands 4th. Saturday sees Germany take on Portugal and the Dutch play Denmark.

That lot should keep you going.

Looking for your Brasileiro update?

With the continued coverage of everything Brazil and South America whilst the summer was on it filled a hole here at Euroballs. Now we're back underway in Europe the team here got the feeling that the South American updates were distracting from the main purpose and coverage of the major European leagues so we've done something about it and set up a new site.

For all your Campeonato Brasileiro Serié A updates, plus the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana updates then please visit the new site at CONMEBalls where we continue from where we left off on here.

On there shortly, a look back at the catch up games in Brazil and a review of this weeks action in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 21

Santo André 1-0 Coritiba
Palmeiras 2-1 Internacional
Sport Recife 2-0 Vitória
Grêmio 4-1 Atlético Miniero
Fluminense 0-0 Barueri
Corinthians 3-3 Botafogo
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 São Paulo
Avaí 3-0 Flamengo
Cruzeiro 4-2 Náutico
Goiás 2-1 Santos

Santo André made it two wins in a week after overcoming 10 man Coritiba. They visitors were down to 10 men inside 20 minutes, Rodrigo Pontes going for a second yellow card. Nunes won it for Santo André, heading home ummarked from 6 yards out 9 minutes before the break. Sport picked up their first win since 12 July after overcoming a Vitória side currently going through some patchy form. Andrade put Sport ahead on the quarter hour with a free kick that the goalkeeper might as well have thrown in the net with the effort made to attempt save. Fabiano Pereira doubled the advantage with a header after half an hour to lift Sport off the bottom of the table. Inconsistent Grêmio defeated inconsistent Atlético-MG in Porto Alegre. Réver headed Grêmio after 8 minutes and quick fire goals form Edixon Perea and Souza saw Grêmio go in three up at the break. Jonas extended the lead further on the hour before Evandro gain scant consolation for Atlético-MG with 12 minutes left.

Fluminense picked up a point against Barueri at the Maracaña and were lucky to do so. Joint Série A leading scorer Val Baiano guilty of missing chances. The visitors actually finished with 9 men, Diego and André Luís seeing red. Botafogo trailed Corinhtians three times but managed to escape with a point. Denthino put Corinthians ahead from the spot just before half time, but Reinaldo levelled just after the break. Marchino then put Corinthians ahead again only for Andre Lima to level things again. A second penalty from Denthino put the home side ahead again but Botafogo didn't give up and Lucio Flavio levelled things up for the last time with 11 minutes to go. São Paulo's 7 match winning run was snapped by Atlético-PR in Curitiba. Paulo Baier headed the only goal of the game with 4 minutes to go after beating a flapping Rogério Ceni to the ball.

Flamengo slumped to a third straight defeat against an Avaí side that now boasts the longest unbeated run in the league. Luis Ricardo had Avaí ahead inside 8 minutes and Leo Gago doubled the advantage after half an hour. Willians was sent off for Flamengo with 20 minutes to go and Fabinho Capixaba put the icing on the cake for Avaí with 11 minutes to go to leave them in a qualifying position for next years Libertadores. Cruzeiro made it 4 unbeaten after overcoming Náutico. Wellington Paulista was the start of the show for the home side after hitting a hat-trick. Fabricio got the other goal for Cruzeiro with Gilmar and Carlinhos Bala replying for Náutico. Goiás took advantage of the slip up by São Paulo to move into second. Vitor put Goiás ahead in the 19th minute with a rasping drive before Kléber Pereira levelled for Santos 10 minutes. Felipe edged Goiás ahead 5 minutes into the second half and they held on depite the dismissal of João Paulo 5 minutes from time.

The game of the weekend was at the Palestra Itália, where the Big Green of Palmeiras, in a retro Italian kit, took on Internacional. It was 1st v 4th in the standings. After going through what can only be descibed as a dodgy spell Palmeiras finally found some form to ensure they held onto top spot. Obina put Palmeiras ahead from the spot after a foul by Kleber. Paraguayan striker José Ortigoza doubled the lead two minutes into the second hald when a deflected shot ended up in his path. Giuliano ensured a tense finish when he got the goal of the game with three minutes left but Palmeiras held on to claim their first win the start of the month.

This week coming up, there is the second leg of the Fla-Flu in the Sudamericana plus a couple of catch up games which see Santos take on Internacional on Wednesday night and Botafogo entertain Cruzeiro on Thursday.

Round 22 also begins on Wednesday night when Barueri entertain Corinthians but the big game of the weekend is at the Morumbi for the derby between São Paulo and Palmeiras

Full Round 22 fixture list is

Barueri x Corinthians
Náutico x Atlético Paranaense
Coritiba x Avaí
Flamengo x Santo André
Santos x Fluminense
São Paulo x Palmeiras
Atlético Miniero x Sport Recife
Vitória x Cruzeiro
Internacional x Goiás
Botafogo x Grêmio

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 20

Vitória 2-1 Atlético Paranaense
Botafogo 1-2 Santo André
Santos 1-0 Grêmio
Barueri 2-1 Sport Recife
Internacional 1-2 Corinthians
Coritiba 1-0 Palmeiras
São Paulo 1-0 Fluminense
Atlético Miniero 2-2 Avaí
Flamengo 1-2 Cruzeiro
Náutico 2-0 Goiás

Vitória picked up their first league win in 6 to halt Atlético-PR's recent good run of form. Ramon Menezes put the home side ahead after half an hour, Wallyson replied for Atlético just after the break but Neto Berola secured the points for Vitória. Troubled times continue at the Engenhão as Botafogo slumped back into the relegation zone after losing to a Santo André side that had lost 7 of it's previous 8 fixtures. Santo André were two up inside 15 minutes through Junior Dutra and Nunes. Andre Lima got Botafogo back into the game just before half time but Santo André held on to win despite the dismissal of Vinivius Ferreira. Santos moved level on points with Grêmio after 1-0 victory. Paulo Lime with the only goal of the game with 10 minutes to go.

Sport Recife seem destined for Série B after yet another defeat, this time to Barueri. Val Baiano moved joint top of the goals scoring charts after putting Barueri ahead. Luciano Henrique levelled for Sport but after looking like snatching a valuable point Thiago Humberto snatched victory for the 10 remaining men. In a repeat of the Copa do Brasil final Corinthians again proved too strong for Internacional. Jean put the visitors ahead with 10 minutes on the clock but Alecsandro levelled 10 minutes before half time. This game also looked to be heading for a draw but Jorge Henrique popped up two minutes from time to steal the points for Corinthians. Palmeiras remain top after a shock defeat to Coritiba, the Big Green are suddenly on the ropes and are without a victory in 4 games now. In a game with 4 red cards it was won in the last minute when Marcelinho converted from the spot. São Paulo remain the form team after making it 8 wins on the spin, Fluminense the victims at the Morumbi. Richarlyson grabbed the only goal of the game with 22 minutes on the clock.

Avaí showed great courage to hang onto the longest unbeated streak in Série A. With an hour gone they were two down to Atlético-MG thanks to two quick fire goals from Éder Luís and Marcos Rocha. Eltinho started the fightback and it was completed a minute from time when Muriqui struck. The honeymoon for Cuca at Flamengo is well and truly over after a 2-1 defeat at home to Cruzeiro. Emerson put Flamengo ahead in the first half but Cruzeiro replied in the second half through Diego Renan and Fabricio to take the points. Goiás blew the chance to take over at the top of the table after falling to defeat at Náutico. A Leandro Euzebio own goal put Náutico ahead in the first half before he capped a miserable evening by being red carded. Anderson Lessa wrapped things up for the home side 4 minutes from time but Goiás finished with 9 after a Gomes was also dismissed.

Leading scorers after week 20

Adriano (Flamengo) 10
Val Baiano (Barueri) 10
Marcelinho (Coritiba) 10
Gilmar (Náutico) 9
Éder Luís (Atlético-MG) 9
Roger (Vitória) 9
Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG) 9

This weekend we're up to Round 21 and they line up as follows

Santo André x Coritiba
Palmeiras x Internacional
Sport Recife x Vitória
Grêmio x Atlético Miniero
Fluminense x Barueri
Corinthans x Botafogo
Atlético Paranaense x São Paulo
Avaí x Flamengo
Cruzeiro x Náutico
Goiás x Santos

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 19

Palmeiras 1-1 Botafogo
Santo André 0-2 Internacional
Avaí 2-1 Náutico
Corinthians 2-0 Atlético Miniero
Fluminense 1-3 Coritiba
Grêmio 4-1 Flamengo
Sport Recife 1-2 São Paulo
Goiás 3-2 Vitória
Atlético Paranaense 3-0 Barueri
Cruzeiro 0-0 Santos

Palmeiras remain top after a third consecutive daw, this time against Botafogo. Cleiton Xavier hit the post early on for the Big Green but they fell behind to an Andre Lima goal after 24 minutes. Danilo levelled things 8 minutes later after 'Fogo keeper Flavio came for a ball he was never going to get to and the big defender headed home. Both teams had chances to win it but some poor ball control and good goalkeeping kept things level. Internacional made it 2 form 2 since their return from Japan, but left it late against a Santo André team that has now lost 4 straight. Taison put Inter ahead with 20 minutes left with a belting strike and then got himself sent off 10 minutes later for kicking out. Alecsandro made the game safe for Inter with 3 minutes left after converting from the spot. Avaí made it 9 unbeaten after stopping the Náutico's mini revival. Eltinho put Avaú ahead with a superb free kick but a spectacular own goal from Emerson levelled things. Marquinhos his the post for Avaí, Náutico's Rudnei was then sent off for a second bookable offence and William had a 50p foot moment in the box with the goal begging but a super volley from Marquinhos with 2 minutes left snatched the points for Avaí.

Corinthians got back on the horse with a first win in six as Atlético-MG's poor run continued. Denthino put Corinthians ahead his deflected shot wrongfooted Atlético keeper Bruno. Boquita then doubled the lead 5 minutes into the second half with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The day got worse for Atlético-MG when Renan was dismissed after 58 minutes. Flamengo had a case of Sudamericana hangover as they were easily defeated by Grêmio 4-1. An Edixon Perea header put Grêmio ahead after 15 minutes but Éverton levelled things for Flamengo 10 minutes later. Réver put Grêmio back ahead 13 minutes into the second half before Jonas converted 2 penalties in the last 8 minutes to give Grêmio a comfortable victory. 3 goals and 3 red cards in Recife as the Champions made it 6 wins on the spin. Washington put São Paulo ahead after 25 minutes. Then came the three red cards, first Miranda went for São Paulo after 69 minutes, then Wilson for Sport after 81 minutes before Renato Silva became the second São Paulo player dismissed a minute later. It looked like Sport had rescued a point after Fabiano Pereira was left unmarked in the box but Hugo broke Sport hearts with a headed winner in injury time.

Another late winner allowed Goiás to move within 2 points of Palmeiras at the top of the table. Two goals in the space of 5 minutes from Felipe Menezes and Fernando. Vitória quickly pulled a goal back through Leandro Domingues and Neto Berola levelled things on the hour with an excellent strike. Both teams had been reduced to 10 men and Náutico spurned 3 golden chances before Goiás got a valuable winner in the 90th minute when Julio César headed home. Atlético-PR's good form continued as they dispatched Barueri, Paulo Baier grabbed both first half goals for Atlético-PR, the second a cracking free kick. Marchino wrapped things up on the hour from the spot to give Atlético a 3-0 victory. Cruzeiro and Santos produced the only goalless game of the round after their draw in Belo Horizonte. Chances were at a premuim and Santos had a goal disallowed for offside but both teams were indebted to their goalkeepers for keeping the game scoreless.

Game of the week was again at the Maracaña as 19th placed Fluminense hosted 18th placed Coritiba. Fluminense were in slightly better form going into the game having at least picked up some points in their previous two games whilst Coritiba hasn't won in a month. Marcelinho headed Coritiba into the lead with 11 minutes gone with a back post header. Kieza then hit the post for Fluminense as they looked for a way back into the game but on the hour Marcelinho doubled the advantage for Coritiba after beating three Flu defenders and the keeper after a fantastic run. Kieza finally found the back of the net to being Flu back into it with 13 minutes to go but still chances went begging for the home side and they were made to pay when Marcos Aurélio slotted in at the back post to confirm all three points for Coritiba. And to make the day worse for Flu fans, a brave Flamengo fan turned up to poke fun as well.

Another midweek round in Brazil and this is how they line up

Vitória x Atlético Paranaense
Botafogo x Santo André
Santos x Grêmio
Barueri x Sport Recife
Internacional x Corinthians
Coritiba x Palmeiras
São Paulo x Fluminense
Atlético Miniero x Avaí
Flamengo x Cruzeiro
Náutico x Goiás

These games and some Copa Nissan Sudamericana action will be reviewed on Friday.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 18

Botafogo 0-1 Atlético Paranaense
Santos 2-2 Avaí
Náutico 2-1 Santo André
Flamengo 1-0 Corinthians
Vitória 2-2 Fluminense
Coritiba 1-3 Cruzeiro
São Paulo 3-1 Goiás
Barueri 1-0 Grêmio

Just when you though Botafogo had turned their poor form around they go an lose two on the spin, this time falling to an Atlético-PR team on the rise up the league. Andre Lima missed a first half penalty for Botafogo after hitting the post whih the keeper well beaten. Fogo hit post again in the first half and in the second Lima had a 50p foot moment in the box. Atlético stole the points when Patrick headed home from a seemingly offside position in the 68th minute. Avaí made it 8 unbeaten after a come from behind 2-2 draw with Santos. Madson put the home side ahead in the 9th minute. Kléber Pereira then doubled the advantage but Avaí hit back, first William fired home and then three minutes later Emerson levelled things. Náutico picked up their second straight win after overcoming Santo André, the visitors not helping their cause by missing first half penalty. Carlinhos Bala put Náutico ahead two minutes into the second half and he doubled the lead with 18 minutes left. Náutico had Vágner Silva sent off with two minutes to go and an injury time strike from Gustavo Nery was mere consolation for a Santo André side currently in freefall.

Flamengo picked up a much needed win over Corinthians in front of a large Maracaña crowd, although it should have been a lot more comfortable as Adriano missed a hatful of chances for Flamengo. Eventually though, Adriano settled the game in favour of Flamengo with a well taken goal from the endge of the box. Vitória snapped a three game losing streak by picking up a point against Fluminense. William put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute but Luiz Alberto replied on the half hour. Flu took the lead in the 53rd minute through Roni but the lead lasted less than a minute as Roger levelled things up. Coritiba made it 7 games without a win after losing to Cruzeiro. Wellington Paulista put the visitors ahead from the spot after 20 minutes. Thiago Ribeiro doubled the lead 5 minutes into the second half and a second for Wellington Paulista secured the points. Marcelinho replied for Coritiba but it was mere consolation for the home side.

Champions São Paulo are suddenly in the mix and fourth in the table after making it 19 points out of a possible 21 after victory over Goiás at the Morumbi. Washington put São Paulo ahead with a header right on the stroke of half time. Rafael Toloi was sent off for Goiás for an elbow and a minute later São Paulo were two up, Jorge Wágner with another headed goal. Bruno Meneghel pulled a goal back from Goiás with three minutes to go but Borges restored the two goal advantage in injury time. Finally Barueri made it two wins in two games to leapfrog Grêmio in the standinga. Fernandinho with the only goal of the game 11 minutes into the second half with a smart finish from the far edge of the six yard box.

Internacional v Sport Recife takes place later tonight and it'll be third v first on Wednesday when Atlético-MG and Palmeiras clash. A round up of those will be here on Thursday.

No midweek round this week but Flamengo and Fluminense clash in the Copa Sudamericana preliminary round first leg clash on Wednesday, as do Coritiba and Vitória who meet on Thursday. There are 6 ties altogether this week and a round of those will appear on Saturday at some stage.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 17

Cruzeiro 0-2 Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo 3-1 Botafogo
Avaí 1-0 Santo André
Náutico 1-0 Corinthians
Goiás 3-2 Flamengo
Coritiba 0-1 Santos
Palmeiras 1-1 Grêmio
Fluminense 5-1 Sport Recife
Barueri 4-0 Vitória

Atlético-PR clambered out of the relegation zone after a crucial win at Cruzeiro. In a game which saw the home side win the red card count 2-1, Marchino put the visitors ahead just after half time. Gabriel Pimba made the game safe for Atlético two minutes from time. The São Paulo recovery continues after a come from behind victory over Botafogo. Lucio Flavio put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes, but São Paulo went into half time ahead. Jorge Wágner converting from the spot before Washington edged them ahead right on half time. Dagoberto wrapped things up for the Champions in the second half. Avaí made it 7 games unbeaten after a 1-0 victory over Santo André, William with the only goal of the game after 11 minutes. Santo Andre have not won now in their last 6 games.

Náutico picked up their first win since May 24 after overcoming a Corinthians side which is badly missing talisman Ronaldo. Gilmar getting the only goal of the game, converting from the spot just before half time. Goiás moved up into second after victory over Flamengo, the home side were two up in side the first 23 minutes thanks to Amaral and Léo Lima. But Flamengo hit back, Adriano scored from the sport before Serbian Dejan Petkovic equalised 10 minutes from time. Goiás stunned Flamengo though when Iarley grabbed the winner as the game headed into injury time. Coritiba dropped into the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at home to Santos, Paulo Henrique with the only goal of the game after 20 minutes. The visitors finished with 10 men after Robson was sent off 5 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Palmeiras remain top after a 1-1 draws with Grêmio. Cleiton Xavier put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute but the lead didn't last long. Maxi López equalizing for Grêmio three minutes later. Barueri snapped a three game losing streak with a comfortable victory over a Vitória side that fell to it's third straight loss. Luís put Barueri two up at half time before Otacillo Neto and Thiago Humberto wrapped things up in the second half. Amazing scenes at the Maracaña as Sport Recife slumped to the bottom of the table after a humping from Fluminense. It was a first victory for Flu since June 7 as they ran riot. Kieza put "Flu" two up inside half an hour and Roni made it three before half time. Vandinho pulled a goal back for Sport but Carlos Eduardo quickly restored the three goal advantage and Maicon put the icing on the cake in injury time.

Coming up this weekend in Round 18. Internacional are back from their trip to Japan for some meaningless tournament so it's a full round of fixtures.

Botafogo x Atlético Paranaense
Santos x Avaí
Náutico x Santo André
Flamengo x Corinthians
Vitoria x Fluminense
Coritiba x Cruzeiro
São Paulo x Goiás
Barueri x Grêmio
Internacional x Sport Recife (Monday)
Atlético Miniero x Palmeiras (Wednesday)

Monday will see a round up of the first 8 games of the weekend and we'll wrap things up on Thursday with the final two games of the round.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 16

Botafogo 2-1 Barueri
Sport Recife 0-1 Palmeiras
Corinthians 0-0 Avaí
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Fluminense
Flamengo 1-1 Náutico
Vitória 0-1 São Paulo
Atlético Miniero 3-2 Coritiba
Grêmio 4-1 Cruzeiro
Santo André 1-2 Goiás

Botafogo continued their improvement with a 2-1 win over Barueri. Andre Lima put the home side ahead after a header from Batista was only parried by the Barueri keeper but the visitors were level by half time courtesy of Marcio Careca. The game was heading for a draw before Andre Lima stole all three points with his second goal of the match with a well placed shot from the edge of the box. Palmeiras guaranteed they'd remain top at the end of the weekend after a 1-0 victory in Recife, an own goal from Bruno Teles giving the Big Green a single goal victory.

Corinthians were held to a goalless draw by Avaí, the hosts did hit the bar but were grateful to goalkeeper Felipe for keeping them in the game. Flamengo and Náutico shared the points at the Maracaña in Andrade's first official game in charge of the home team. Gilmar put the visitors ahead in the first half before Leo Moura rescued a point for Fla with 9 minutes left. That was overshadowed by one of the most bizarre sendings off ever, Náutico defender Vagner Silva got a second yellow card for changing his shorts during the match without permission from the referee. After tearing up his first pair of shorts, Silva quickly made the change near to the touchline, but the referee was advised by the fourth official and showed the player a second yellow to the outrage and bemusement of the Náutico players. São Paulo's charge up the table continued with a 1-0 victory at Vitória. Dagoberto with the goal on 73 minutes to lift the Champions to up to eighth.

Atlético-MG kept up the pressure on Palmeiras after a late late show against Coritiba. 2 headed goals inside a minute from Jonilson and Diego Tardelli put Atlético-MG 2-0 up but Demerson halved the lead 5 minutes with a well taken header form a corner. Despite having a host of chances Atlético-MG let Coritiba back in the game when Leozinho broke clear and equalised with 8 minutes left. Atlético-MG weren't to be denied though and won it three minutes from time, Renan Oliveira turning in the box and firing home the winner. The Libertadors hang over continues for a Cruzeiro team that finished with 9 men against Grêmio. Jonathan had already been sent off before Wellington Paulista put Cruzeiro ahead form the spot 5 minutes before half time. Then Thiago Ribero saw a straight red for use of the elbow 5 minutes into the second half and Grêmio took full advantage of the extra players. Réver's header levelled things before Tchecho put Grêmio ahead. Jonas made it three and Maxi López wrapped things up in the last minute. With Internacional having the weekend off Goiás took advantage to move into third with a come from behind victory against Santo André. Pablo Escobar put Santo André ahead after 67 minutes after a bit of a scramble in the penalty area. Iarley levelled 10 minutes later getting in front of his defender to slot home and then Julio César stole all three points in the last minute for Goiás with a quality finish that would have graced any game.

The game of the weekend saw 18th place Atlético-PR entertain 19th placed Fluminense in a crucial 6 pointer. In a game played in driving rain. After exerting heavy pressure in the first half and forcing Flu keeper Kieza into making some crucial saves. The breakthrough though came in the 41st minute, Paulo Baier with a free kick from 25 yards out that flew into the back of the net. Atlético continued to build the pressure but Raul stupidly got himself sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 4 minutes to go. Flu then hit the post and forced Atlético-PR keeper Galatto into an amazing full stretch save to earn the points for Atlético-PR and dump Fluminense to the bottom of the table.

Again there is midweek action in Série A, do these boys ever get a rest? Anyway, here is how the line up for Rodanda 17. Atlético Miniero and Internacional have this midweek round off for whatever reason.

Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Botafogo
Avaí x Santo André
Náutico x Corinthians
Goiás x Flamengo
Coritiba x Santos
Palmeiras x Grêmio
Fluminense x Sport Recife
Barueri x Vitória

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 15

Coritiba 2-2 Botafogo
Náutico 1-2 Santos
Goiás 3-0 Atlético Paranaense
Internacional 3-2 Barueri
Santo André 1-1 Corinthians
Palmeiras 1-0 Fluminense
Cruzeiro 1-0 Sport Recife
Flamengo 3-1 Atlético Miniero
São Paulo 2-1 Grêmio
Avaí 4-0 Vitória

A lazy round up of the midweek action due to time constraints.

Palmeiras take over at the top of the table after Atlético-MG's defeat at Flamengo. The Big Green hammering another nail into the Fluminense coffin. Avaí made it 5 wins on the spin against Vitória and Champions São Paulo made it two wins on the spin. Goiás moved into fourth as a point for Botafogo lifted them three clear of the relegation zone and teams are now being cast adrift at the bottom of the table.

Only 9 games this weekend as Inter and Santos have the weekend off for some reason. That game will played at the end of August alongside the Cruzeiro v Botafogo game that was postponed because of the Libertadores final.

The rest line up as follows

Botafogo x Barueri
Sport x Palmeiras
Corinthians x Avaí
Atlético Paranaense x Fluminense
Flamengo x Náutico
Vitória x São Paulo
Atlético Miniero x Coritiba
Grêmio x Cruzeiro
Santo André x Goiás

Game of the weekend is the big bottom of the table clash between Atlético-PR and Fluminense. Normal service will be resumed on Monday.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 14

Atlético Paranaense 1-3 Avaí
Botafogo 3-2 Internacional
Grêmio 3-2 Santo André
Santos 1-2 Flamengo
Atlético Miniero 0-1 Goiás
Sport Recife 3-3 Náutico
Corinthians 0-3 Palmeiras
Vitória 1-0 Coritiba
Fluminense 1-1 Cruzeiro
Barueri 1-2 São Paulo

Avaí made it 4 wins on the spin with a victory over Atlético-PR in Curitiba. Muriqui put the visitors ahead with 10 on the clock and William doubled the advantage quarter of an hour later. William then made it 3 on the hour before Marcinho got scant consolatoin for Atlético. Botafogo picked up a vital win over a stuttering Internacional at the Engenhão. Wellington put the home side ahead with 11 minutes on the clock after some poor goalkeeping and Andre Lime doubled the advantage 5 minutes later. Andrezinho got Inter back into the game, converting a penalty 2 minutes into the second half and against the run of play Leandro levelled this just past the hour. 'Fogo claimed three vital points though when Alessandro was at the back post to fire home the winner with 15 minutes left. Finally on Saturday Grêmio overcame Santo André despite going a goal behind to Antonio Flavio's shot which only just got over the line. Grêmio were ahead by half time, Rafael Marques headed them level before Souza fired them ahead with a cracker. A second for Marques made the lead two before Ricardo Goulart got a consolation for Santo André in injury time.

Flamengo showed their was immediate life after the departure of Cuca in midweek after they picked up a come from behind 2-1 at Santos. Robson put the hosts ahead with 69 minutes on the clock but 8 minutes later Adriano levelled things before Pará heartbreakingly put the ball into his own net with three minutes to go. League leaders Atlético-MG suffered a surprise home defeat to Goiás, Iarley with the only goal of the game with 8 minutes left. The highest scoring game of the weekend came in Recife where Sport and Náutico shared 6 goals between them. Náutico were on the board first through Carlinhos Bala but Fabiano Pereira ensured parity at half time. Gilmar edged Náutico ahead again from the spot two minutes into the second half before Durval and Guto edged Sport ahead. However it was a second goal from Carlinhos Bala that levelled things up. Vitória moved up to third after a single goal victory over Coritiba, Leandro Domingues with the only goal of the game with 64 minutes on the clock. Fluminense finally picked up a point after 5 straight defeats, coming from behing to claim a point with Cruzeiro. Henrique put Cruzeiro ahead after some great passing and movement but Kieza put Flu level just after half time. Cruzeiro then had Leonardo Silva sent off but hung on to claim a point. Barueri fell to their first defeat since week 3, going down 2-1 to São Paulo. Washington put the visitors ahead with 13 minutes on the clock but Ralf equalised 7 minutes later after his shot went through the São Paulo keeper like a dose of salts. André Dias put São Paulo back ahead 4 minutes later and despite losing Washington to a second yellow card on the hour the Champions held up to pick up their fourth win of the season.

The game of the weekend was undoubtedly the derby between Corinthians and Palmeiras. The hatred is apparent and this game was moved to the city of Presidente Prudente to avoid any crowd trouble. Palmeiras ended up having a 570km bus ride after they were unable to fly due to poor weather and didn't arrive until dawn on Sunday morning. Corinthians meanwhile had no such problems. Cleiton Xavier rasped the Corinthians bar form a free kick early door and it was no surprise when Obina put Palmeiras ahead on the half hour. Corinthians were then denied by an offside flag and Palmeiras keeper Marcos. Obina then doubled the lead from the spot on the hour with a re-taken penalty after Cleiton Xavier was upended in the box and Obina completed his hat-trick after a hopeful punt upfield and a poor header saw Cleiton Xavier and Obina two on one with the keeper and Xavier teed Obina up. Corinthians day got worse when Alessandro was sent off with 15 minutes to go, but that wasn't as big a blow as the injury picked up by Ronaldo. The former world footballer of the year went over in the 20th minute and has since been confirmed as having a double fracture in his left hand. He is expected to miss the next 6 weeks.

Yet another midweek round again this week, here's how they line up.

Coritiba x Botafogo
Náutico x Santos
Goiás x Atlético Paranaense
Internacional x Barueri
Santo André x Corinthians
Palmeiras x Fluminense
Cruzeiro x Sport Recife
Flamengo x Atlético Miniero
São Paulo x Grêmio
Avaí x Vitoriá

A round of those will appear sometime on Friday evening.

Another One Bites The Dust

Flamengo have sacked coach Cuca after the 1-1 draw with Barueri at the Maracaña on Wednesday night. Flamengo have become the ninth club to be relieve their coach of his position since the season started in May. The Flamnengo fans were chanting "Goodbye Cuca" after the game. Flamengo vice-president Kléber Leite told the gathered media "We talked with Cuca after the match and we believe it's time to part company." Andrade, an assistant coach at Fla will take charge of the team for the game at Santos on Sunday.

Cuca stated that this team should be good enough to claim a top 4 berth and qualify for next years Copa Libertadores especially after singing Adriano after his release from Internazionale Milano.

There have been coaching changes since the start of Série A at Flamengo's city rivals Fluminense, Champions São Paulo, Santos, twice at Náutico, Palmeiras, Atlético Paranaense, Sport Recife and Grêmio.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 13

Flamengo 1-1 Barueri
Santo André 0-2 Cruzeiro
Avaí 1-0 Grêmio
Santos 1-0 Atlético Paranaense
Náutico 2-2 Botafogo
Goiás 2-1 Palmeiras
Internacional 2-2 São Paulo
Coritiba 1-1 Sport Recife
Atlético Miniero 2-1 Fluminense
Corinthians 2-1 Vitória

Flamengo hosted in form Barueri and were rocked when Série A leading scorer Val Baiano put Barueri into a deserved lead from the spot after 53 minutes. It was a deserved lead as Barueri had kept Fla keeper Bruno busy through out the first half. The equaliser came 16 minutes later after Kléberson's cross was not dealt with by the Barueri defence and Emerson was left unmarked to fire home. After, Willans hit a post for Fla but both teams took a point. The Santo André bubble has quickly burst with a second consecutive defeat, Kléber fired Cruzeiro ahead on the hour and a great strike from Diego Ranan wrapped up the points for Cruzeiro to lift them out of the relegation zone. Avaí made it three straight wins after powerful free kick from the edge of the D by Fernandinho gave them the points against Grêmio. Fernandihno though got himself sent off 12 minutes after his goal for a second bookable offence. Vanderlei Luxemburgo got off to a winning start at Santos as they defeated Atlético-PR 1-0, Neymar with the goal with 17 minutes left. Náutico snapped a 6 game losing streak after picking up a point at home to Botafogo. The visitors when ahead after Juninho scored after a move from a corner after 20 minutes. The home side fought back and Gilmar equalised from the spot just short of the hour and then headed Náutico into the lead 8 minutes later but they were pegged back when Eduardo couldn't handle a Juninho free kick and Reinaldo was there for the rebound to equalise. This result leaves both teams in the relegation zone. Palmeiras missed a chance to go top for 24 hours when they fell to defeat at Goiás. Palmeiras took the lead when Diego Souza put the Big Green ahead with a rasper from 30 yards out. Léo Lima equalised form the spot with a quarter of an hour left and Bruno Meneghel stole the points for Goiás 3 minutes from time when his shot deflected past Marcos. In the last game on Wednesday night Alcesandro headed Internacional into a quick fire two goal lead against São Paulo. The champions are made of sterner stuff these days, Hernanes striking 3 minutes into the second half after getting through the Inter defence with ease before Jean rescused a point with 20 minutes left with a looping shot that escaped the grasp of Lauro in the Inter goal.

Coritiba picked up a second straight draw against Sport. Antonio Dutra put Sport ahead in the 18th minute but Coritiba were level 4 minutes later, Marcelinho with the equaliser. Atlético-MG went three points clear at the top as Fluminense lost their 5th straight game. Serginho Miniero put Atlético-MG ahead on the hour and 5 minutes later Diego Tardelli doubled the advantage. Kieza pulled one back for Flu but it wasn't enough to prevent them remaining entrenched in the relegation zone. Finally Corinthians climbed above Vitória after a 2-1 win at the Pacaembu. Denthino put the home side ahead after 20 minutes before Jean doubled the lead 10 minutes later. Apodi responded for Vitória but the home side held on to climb to fourth.

Round 14 fixtures this weekend

Atlético Paranaense x Avaí
Botafogo x Internacional
Grêmio x Santo André
Santos x Flamengo
Atlético Miniero x Goiás
Sport Recife x Náutico
Corinthians x Palmeiras
Vitótia x Coritiba
Fluminense x Cruzeiro
Barueri x São Paulo

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 12

Fluminense 1-4 Goiás
Palmeiras 1-0 Santo André
Vitória 0-0 Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro 1-2 Corinthians
Atlético Paranaense 0-0 Coritiba
Grêmio 2-1 Internacional
São Paulo 2-1 Santos
Sport 1-4 Avaí
Barueri 4-0 Náutico
Flamengo 2-2 Botafogo

Fluminense's season goes from bad to ratshit after yet another defeat despite a change of manager. It was looking good when Ruy put Flu ahead 2 minutes into the second half but strikes from Ramalho, Julio César, Felipe and Iarley gave Goiás the points. Palmeiras bought Santo André's winning run to and end with a 1-0 victory at the Palestra Itália. Diego Souza slammed home the winner with 23 minutes on the clock to put the Big Green level on points at the top of the table with Atlético-MG who were held to a goalless draw at Vitória.

Ronaldo returned to his first club, Cruzeiro, with Corinthians. It was the first time he'd ever faced them since leaving for Eindhoven all those years ago. Jorge Henrique put Corinthians ahead but five minutes later Ronaldo missed a penalty. He made up for it 22 minutes from time by doubling the lead. Kléber reduced the defecit with 6 minutes to go but Cruzeiro were defenitely showing signs of a hangover from the Libertadores defeat. No drama at derby day in Curitiba where Atlético-PR and Coritiba played out the second 0-0 draw of the weekend. In Porto Alegre the 377th Gre-Nal went the way of the home side. Nilmar put Inter ahead in the 25th minute with a cool left foot finish. Souza equalised for Grêmio 11 minutes later with a cracking free kick form 25 yards out and Maxi López secured the points for Grêmio, heading in after a shot had been blocked on the line. Another derby, this time at the Morumbi where São Paulo took on Santos. Wellington putting São Paulo ahead with a header but the lead lasted less than a minute with Roni equalising for Santos, who named Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their new coach today. Washington won it for São Paulo 5 minutes into the second half, firing home from 10 yards out. Avaí's mini revival continued as they picked up their second win in as many games this time at Sport. Igor put Sport ahead but a minute latAller Avaí were level thanks to an own goal from Dude. Roberto put Avaí ahead in the second half and Luis Ricardo wrapped things up and suddenly Avaí have hauled themselves out of the relegation zone. Barueri's dream season continues as they climb to 5th thanks to Val Baiano's four goal haul against Náutico. There were two penalties in Val Baiano's haul as he becomes the leading scorer in Série A. And finally another derby, this time at the Maracaña where Flamengo and Botafogo faced off. Alessandro put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute after follwing up from a free kick but Adriano headed Flamengo level by half time. Renato then edged Botafogo ahead again with 18 minutes left but Emerson then broke Fogo hearts with an equaliser two minutes from time.

Again there is a midweek round in Série A this week

Flamengo x Barueri
Santo André x Cruzeiro
Avaí x Grêmio
Santos x Atlético Paranaense
Náutico x Botafogo
Goiás x Palmeiras
Internacional x São Paulo
Coritiba x Sport Recife
Atlético Mineiro x Fluminense
Corinthans x Vitória

And we'll round them all up on Friday

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 11

Goiás 0-2 Avaí
Coritiba 2-1 Grêmio
Santo André 1-0 Atlético Paranaense
Santos 3-3 Barueri
Internacional 4-2 Fluminense
Flamengo 1-2 Palmeiras
Atlético Mineiro 2-0 São Paulo
Corinthians 4-3 Sport Recife
Náutico 1-1 Vitória

Two days after disposing of Wagner Mancini the Santos players were greeted by a hail of eggs by protesting fans as they arrived at the Vila Belmiro for the game against Barueri. The mood wasn't helped as Barueri took a 3-1 lead inside half an hour, with two goals coming from Val Baiano but late goals from Robson and Neymar salvaged a point for Santos. More biffo in Porto Alegre as 4 players were sent off as managerless Fluminense slumped to 19th after a 4-2 loss to Internacional. Internacional were two up inside half an hour through Sorondo and Andrezinho. The second goal coming after Fluminense's Fred was sent off for the second time in as many weeks for fighting Internacional's Magrão but it looked little more than handbags to be fair to both players. Fluminense did level things through Ruy and Dario Conca but Taison put Internacional back ahead with cracking strike 10 minutes from time, then Internacional had Gladyson sent off for second bookable offence before Diguinho for Fluminense got a deserved straight red a minute later for a shocking tackle before Taison added a second in injury time to wrap up the win.

Bottom of the table Avaí picked up a crucial away win at Goiás, second half strikes from Muriqui and Roberto lifting Avaí off the bottom of the table. Coritiba had a come from behind win over Grêmio. Jonas put the visitors ahead in the 9th minute before an absolute corker from Marcelinho levelled things just before half time before a second half strike from Areil Nahuelpan gave Coritiba the win. Thiego was sent off for Grêmio just after half time for kicking out at Marcos Aurélio. Santo André picked up their second 1-0 win within three day this time defeating Atlético-PR. Vinicius Ferreira with the goal 4 minutes into the second half. After being punted out of the Maracaña for some mid-season music concert Flamengo hosted Palmeiras and Diego Souza and José Ortigoza put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Adriano replied in the 71st minute from the spot but the Big Green held on to move up temporarily into second.

Atlético-MG returned to the top of the table after a comfortable 2-0 win over champions São Paulo. Atlético-MG got off to the perfect start when Diego Tardelli fired them ahead in the first minute of the game, Serginho Mineiro wrapped things up in the second half for the league leaders. Corinthians climed to sixth after coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller with Sport. Fabiano Pereira put Sport ahead in the 7th minute but two quick fire strikes from Ronaldo put Corinthians ahead at the break. Cristian extended the lead before two goals in 4 minutes from Vandinho suddenly levelled things. Moradei broke Sport hearts with the winner 10 minutes from time. Bottom of the table and managerless Náutico broke their 5 game losing streak with a come from behind draw against Vitória. Roger put the Vitória head with 10 minutes gone and Náutico must have feared the worst but they got rewarded with 25 minutes to go, Gilmar converting from the spot after Wallace had been sent off. Náutico remain bottom, whilst Vitória stay in fourth.

The game between Botafogo and Cruzeiro was postponed due to the latters involvement in the Libertadores final.

Week 12 fixtures.

Fluminense x Goiás
Palmeiras x Santo André
Vitória x Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro x Corinthians
Atlético Paranaense x Coritiba
Grêmio x Internacional
São Paulo x Santos
Sport Recife x Avaí
Barueri x Náutico
Flamengo x Botafogo

Derbies galore this weekend and none bigger than the one in Porto Alegre as the 377th Gre-Nal takes place. Internacional currently lead this series by 141 wins to 118. Also taking place this weekend is the San-São and in Rio de Janeiro it's Flamengo against Botafogo. Meanwhile leaders Atlético-MG travel to Vitória whilst Náutico look to lift themselves off the bottom of the table at Barueri.

Campeonato Brasileiro Gossip

Fluminense have disposed of the services of World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after their 1-0 defeat to Santo André on Sunday at the Engenhão. It was Parreira's third spell with Fluminense and he leaves the club 18th in Série A having won only 8 of 24 matches in charge since taking over earlier in the year. Assistant coach Vinicius Eutropio takes temporary charge starting with the trip to Internacional on Wednesday night. Santos have also parted company with Vagner Mancini after Sunday's 6-2 humping at Vitória and 5 defeats in a row was too much for the Náutico board as they showed Marcio Bittencourt the door.

Other changes to take place this season have seen Marcelo Rospide replaced at Grêmio by the former national trainer of Peru, Paulo Autuori. Emerson Leao took over for Nelsinho Baptitsta at Sport Recife. Ricardo Gomes got the job at champions São Paulo after the sacking of Ramalho and after the transfer listing of Keirrison saw Wanderley Luxemburgo depart Palmeiras. The Big Green are currently being looked after by Jorghino.

Meawhile former Portsmouth player and Internacional star Andres D'Alessandro has been banned for 60 days by the Superior Tribunal of Sports Justice for his part in the fracas during the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final. D'Alessandro received the minimum punishment for an attempted aggression on Corinthians captain William during the game in Porto Alegre. The ban, which has been appealed by Internacional, will see D'Alessandro banned until September 12. Television footage of the match shows D'Alessandro, who had just been sent off, punching the air and calling defender William to fight before chasing him round the pitch like a big girls blouse. The match referee's report said he sent D'Alessandro off for kicking Corinthians' Cristian while he was on the ground waiting for attention from the physio. The Argentine was handed a one-match ban for that incident. Meanwhile Corinthians midfielder Elias and Internacional full back Kléber, who were also involved in the stupidity, were also suspended for one match. Both coaches, Mano Menzes of Corinthians and Internaional's Tite, who were dismissed for entering the field of play during the incident were cleared of any wrongdoing by the tribunal.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 10

Avaí 1-2 Botafogo
Barueri 3-1 Coritiba
Palmeiras 4-1 Náutico
Cruzeiro 0-3 Atlético Mineiro
Grêmio 3-0 Corinthians
São Paulo 2-2 Flamengo
Atlético Paranaense 3-2 Internacional
Sport Recife 1-0 Goiás
Fluminense 0-1 Santo André
Vitória 6-2 Santos

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend away from the derby in Belo Horizonte was the clash between the two bottom clubs Avaí and Botafogo. It was the Rio club who came away with three valuable points after Juninho's free kick went straight through the Avaí wall before Renato doubled the lead just before half time. Marquinhos pulled a goal back for Avaí 10 minutes into the second half but 'Fogo survived some hair raising moments to pick up a valuable win. Barueri put a halt to Coritiba's rise up the table with a 3-1 victory. Val Baiano opened the scoring from the spot with 3 minutes on the clock and Fernandhino doubled the lead at the second attempt on the quarter hour. Cleiton's own goal with 8 minutes left after some poor goalkeeping summed up Coritiba's night before Carlinhos Paraiba grabbed scant consolation in the last minute for the visitors with the goal of the night. Náutico fall down the table continued as they lost their 5th straight game in a 4-1 humping at Palmeiras. If this game had taken place in Europe it would have been called off, there were puddles on the pitch and the rain continued to fall during the game. Maurico Ramos put the home side ahead before Willians Santana doubled the lead. Márcio Barros got Náutico back in the game just past the hour but Pablo Armero and Pierre wrapped things up for the Big Green.

On Sunday it was the big derby in Belo Horizonte and with Cruzeiro having one eye on Wednesday night's second leg in the Libertadores it was Atlético-MG who took the honours to climb back to the top of the table. Sensational start to the game as Cruzeiro's Ze Carlos was sent off in the first minute for an elbow. Junior and Alessandro put Atlético-MG two up at half time before Éder Luís ensured bragging rights with a third two minutes from time. Corinthians busy couple of weeks caught up with them as they were defeated 3-0 by Grêmio. All the goals coming in the first half from Alex Miniero, Jonas and Rafael Marques whilst Jean was dismissed for Corinthians. Champions São Paulo still can't find their form as they came from behind to draw 2-2 with Flamengo. The visitors were ahead through Gonzalo Fierro after a goalkeeping error. Borges equalised for São Paulo before Adriano restored Flamengo's lead from the spot. São Paulo's Renato Silva was then sent off on the stroke of half time but the 10 men salvaged a point thanks to a penalty from Jorge Wágner. Internacional surrendered top spot after defeat by Atlético-PR. The midweek trip to Quito hadn't seem to affected them when Nilmar put the Inter ahead with a deflected shot after 9 minutes. Marchino header Atlético-PR level on the half hour before putting them ahead from the spot on the hour. Wesley extended the lead for Atlético-PR before Alecsandro made an interesting last couple of minutes but the home side held on. Sport climbed out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Goiás. Fabiano Pereira with the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after 17 minutes. Santo André's promising start to life in the top flight continuned with a 1-0 at Fluminense. Again the Maracanã was unavailable and a Wellington Monteiro own goal after 3 minutes was enough to hand Santo André the points at the Engenhão. And the most goals of the weekend came at Vitória as the home side humped an out of sorts Santos 6-2. The home side were four up within half an hour through a brace from Roger, William and Victor Ramos. Santos pulled it back to 4-2 through a penalty from Kléber Pereira and Paulo Lima before the icing was applied for Vitória by Leandro Domingues and Jackson.

Also there is a midweek round this week due to take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The fixtures are

Goiás x Avaí
Coritiba x Grêmio
Santo André x Atlético Paranaense
Santos x Barueri
Internacional x Fluminense
Flamengo x Palmeiras
Atlético Mineiro x São Paulo
Botafogo x Cruzeiro
Corinthians x Sport Recife
Náutico x Vitória