First up of the big sides is Corinthians, who take on an impressive Goias this evening. Corinthians though have been dominant in progression up until now, with full-backs Denner and Cristiano excelling on the flanks, Matheuzinho conducting the midfield and striker Leandro finishing anything that has come his way. However, now we find out how much of that was due to standard of opposition in the group. For Goiás, attacking midfield pair of Lineker and Péricles will need to be watched, with both players having amassed three goals each in the group stages. Corinthians are favourites, but it threatens to be tougher than expected for the Timãozinho.
Next up, Santos take on Guarani, who progressed from the same group as Goias having matched their rivals step-for-step, if not quite as impressively. Santos had a slow start to the tournament, but have worked their way into form as midfielders Bruno Lamas and Leandrinho start to impose their passing football on the tournament. Left full-back Paulo Henrique has impressed throughout, with his crosses from a flank a constant threat, whilst Neilton and Victor Andrade have undoubted talent if used correctly in attack. Defenders Jubal and Gustavo Henrique have also proved to be a goal-threat throughout. For Guarani, forward Bruno Mendes has been in the goals, but will require support from his team-mates if they are to pull off a shock. However, that possibility should not be dismissed.
In the evening, Palmeiras take on group winners Monte Azul for a place in the last-16. The smaller Paulista side came through one of the weakest groups in the tournament with three wins, but their leaky defence will be properly tested by a vibrant Palmeiras this evening. Striker Alan, with four goals already will be their main forward threat. Palmeiras have dropped off a little following an impressive start, but have tremendous quality within their side. Attacking midfielder Diego has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, with four goals to his name, whilst sixteen year-old striker Hugo is a clinical scorer at this level. Much of Palmeiras fine play comes from the midfield work of Bruno Sabiá and Bruno Dybal, whilst defender Luiz Gustavo has proved deadly with his head from set-pieces. Palmeiras should advance comfortably from this game.
Finally, in one of the bigger matches of the round, Cruzeiro take on Atlético Paranaense in the last match of the day’s action. Cruzeiro are flying, but the opponents step-up a level today, with Atlético also amongst the biggest sides in Brazil. Cruzeiro’s strength is in midfield, where Lucas Silva (def-midfield), Alisson and Cristian (att-midfield) have proved to be technically excellent and creative for the Raposa, whilst Pedro Paulo and João Paulo have scored the goals up-front. Atlético qualified with relative ease from the group-stages and players such as Taiberson and Hernani showed that they have the talent to upset bigger sides. Cruzeiro will be favourites, but any drop in performance level could be punished.
Selected fixtures: (Times in GMT)
- 18.00 Corinthians x Goias
- 19.00 Santos x Guarani
- 21.00 Palmeiras x Monte Azul
- 23.30 Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
