Copa São Paulo: Flamengo crash out, Paulista giants march on

Friday night delivered the first major casualty of the Copa São Paulo 2013, with Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo drawing 2-2 with América-RP to exit at the group stage. It is the second year in succession that a Flamengo team has entered the tournament surrounded by much hype and failed to progress past the first […]
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sambafoot_admin
2013-01-13 02:45:00

Friday night delivered the first major casualty of the Copa São Paulo 2013, with Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo drawing 2-2 with América-RP to exit at the group stage.

It is the second year in succession that a Flamengo team has entered the tournament surrounded by much hype and failed to progress past the first hurdle, having been champions in 2011.

Goals from Renan Donizete and Romário weren’t enough to secure the victory they would have needed to top the group, with the Rubro-Negro’s youthful forward line struggling to deal with América’s physicality.

Elsewhere, there was a shock in store for reigning Copa do Brasil Under-20 champions Vitória, who also bow out at the group-stage. The North-Eastern side bow out after a 1-0 defeat to Monte Azul, following a late goal from Bruno.

There were no such problems for the likes of Santos, Corinthians, América-MG and Desportivo Brasil, however, who all move on to the knockout rounds of the tournament later this week.

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