For those who expected a confrontation like “David against Goliath” based on last years results, Botafogo was in good form this afternoon. The match started with a fantastic rhythm, especially for the inspired left-winger Bill, inspiring the team with his ability to create opportunities.
Botafogo commanded the midfield, dominating the match. But in well executed counter-attack, Ernani ran with the ball and shot unpretentiously, but goalkeeper Max in goofy style fell down and the ball passed above his legs. Goal for Americano – 16 minutes in to the first half…
Botafogo´s supporters were in panic, the same “déjà vu” sensation…They could note something different, Americano´s players were very confident. In the sequence, Ernani in a foul taking, shot with violence, this time Max made a beautiful defence.2 minutes later, once more, Ernani took advantage of the free spaces left by Botafogo´s right-winger Ruy, he passed the ball to Faiolli and hit the post, so close to the target. It may be a good luck sign for the “superstitious Fogão supporters” who are famed for believing in supernatural activities as an influence in the club’s results. And it worked again…One minute later, penalty for Botafogo. Dodô scored, 1×1.
Second half, no changes made by either coach. Both teams were going all out attack despite the terrible heat. Botafogo continued to command, but Americano were hitting them on the counter-attacks, stopped only by the offside trap by Botafogo.
Right-winger Ruy was playing his best. Ruy quickly found Lúcio Flávio and with a fantastic dribble passed through the rival´s defenders and scored… The supporters finally exploded and could shout, finally they had the luck the alluded them a year ago.
AMERICANO 1 x 2 BOTAFOGO
Venue: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Date-Time: 05/02 – 16h (Brasília)
Referee: Luiz Antônio Silva dos Santos
Assistants: Marcos Tadeu Peniche Nunes and Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima
Yellow Cards: Júlio César (AME), Caetano (AME), Faiolli (AME), Rafael Marques (BOT), Ruy
(BOT), Zé Roberto (BOT)
Goals: 17’/1st half – Ernani (1-0); 29’/1st half- Dodô, de pênalti (1-1); 16’/2nd half – Lucio Flavio (1-2)
AMERICANO: Erivélton, Elson, Carlão e Robson (44’/1st half – Cléber Goiano); Júlio César,
Flavinho, Caetano (22′ 2nd half – Vinicius), Butti e Ernani; Bruno Rangel (25’/2nd half – Alexandre) e Faioli – DT: Válter Ferreira
BOTAFOGO: Max, Ruy (35’/2nd half – Neném), Rafael Marques, Scheidt e Bill; Thiago Xavier, Diguinho (40’/2nd half – Joilson), Zé Roberto (20’/2nd half- Glauber) e Lucio Flavio; Marcelinho e Dodô – DT: Carlos Roberto
