First up of the big sides on this final day of Group matches were Vasco, who knew that just a draw against Taubaté would be enough for progression to the latter stages. After just twenty minutes it looked a simple task as Deiyson opened the scoring for the Carioca side. Early in the second-half it was the turn of the home-side to celebrate as Raí scored an unlikely equaliser to level proceedings. It still seemed unlikely that events would conspire against Vasco, but in the final minutes Ramón‘s cross deflected off a defender, leaving goalkeeper Jordy stranded and Vasco stunned, as their elimination was confirmed minutes later.
Next it was the turn of Grêmio, already virtually assured of progression, who faced a still hopeful Grêmio Osasco side. Indeed it was the home side who provided the first shock of the day, emerging with a 3-1 victory over their Porto Alegre namesakes thanks to a hat-trick from Danrley. Éverton Júnior bagged a late consolation goal for the Tricolor, but the result means that both sides will now progress to the Second-Round.
Fluminense continued the terrible form of Brazil’s traditional giants, with a 3-2 defeat to Ole Brasil which saw the Tricolor reliant on a ‘Best Second Place’ slot to continue to the knockout-stages. Kaique‘s cross was turned-in to open the scoring for the home-side early in the first-half, but it was not long before Flu were level through a goal from Michael Vinicius. Goals from Mancini and a long-range William free-kick gave Ole a 3-1 lead in the second-half, at which point one more goal would have seen yet another Rio de Janeiro giant eliminated. However, it was not to be and substitute Rafael Assis scored a fine goal to assure the Tricolor’s progression to the latter stages.
The final match of the day featured Santos taking on Internacional de Limeira in what was a far more orthodox encounter. Goals from midfielders Leandrinho and Bruno Lamas were supplemented by substitute Zé Carlos to give the Peixe a 3-0 win and ensure easy progression to the next round. Credit should also go to left full-back and captain Paulo Henrique who supplied two crossed assists as the side strode to victory.
Star Performers: Bruno Lamas, Neilton (Santos), Danryel (Grêmio Osasco), William (Ole Brasil)
