Internacional were the first-team in action on Sunday morning, as they convincingly beat Grêmio Barueri 3-0 to progress onwards in the Copinha. Goals from Ebert, Claudio Winck and Thiago were enough for the Gaúcho club to progress in fine-style against a team who had impressed in the group stages. Inter will take on Coritiba, who overcame Mirassol 4-2 in their encounter.
Fluminense were next up and only just managed to overcome a battling Bahia side 1-0 to make the last-16, with Bahia also able to call upon vocal in-stadium support. Fluminense had their chances to make the win more comfortable, with Maicon and Marcos Júnior both guilty of squandering chances as Eduardo ran the show in impressive style from midfield. Fluminense did eventually get the goal, as Michael turned a header in to secure victory for the Carioca side.
That win set-up a mouth-watering encounter with Gaúcho giants Grêmio who overcame CA Juventus 2-0. The São Paulo side have previous in the Copinha, but could not live with their impressive rivals. Goals from centre-back Rafael and later Ruan won the game for the Tricolor and set-up the winner takes all clash with Fluminense.
Later in the evening, Santos made light work of dismissing Guarani to progress onwards to the next-round, with two goals from Victor Andrade the catalyst. The highly-rated striker has been out-of-sorts this campaign, but may be coming into form at the right time as Santos look to challenge for the main prize. Pedro Castro added a third, before Diego turned-in Neilton’s assist to make it 4-0 to the Paulista side. In the next stage, Santos will be tested by academy side Desportivo Brasil who overcame São Caetano on penalties following a 2-2 draw in which young starlet Chico was once more on the score-sheet.
In the final game of the day, Vítoria overcame Botafogo on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regular time. Goals for Givanildo and Willie put the Northerners in the lead twice, but on both occasions Botafogo hit back with headers from Doría to level proceedings. The penalty shoot-out came and the Rio side crumbled to allow Vitoria to win 3-1. In the next round Vítoria will take on minnows Rondonópolis who beat Figueirense 6-4 in a thrilling ten-goal encounter in which forward Valdivia scored four goals.
Star Performers: Eduardo (Fluminense), Valdivia (Rondonópolis), Chico (Desportivo Brasil), Victor Andrade (Santos), Doría (Botafogo)
