Ituano striker Marcelinho has told reporters that his winning goal against Palmeiras in the Paulista semi final on Sunday was the result of a special request by the player.
The hero in a 1-0 win asked the heavens to help him celebrate his birthday with a goal and it clearly worked as the favourites tumbled out to see Ituano into the final and a chance to meet Santos for a regional trophy.
“On Friday I ordered the goal as a birthday present and it came, but I’m not the hero of the game. All at Ituano have participated in this win.”
The Sao Paulo side have only once previously won the Paulista and that came back in 2002. Now, with the help of Marcelinho, they have a chance to repeat the feat over the course of two legs against Santos, starting on April 6.
