Copa São Paulo fixtures preview (5 January)

The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior is all systems go, so let’s take a look at three matches to take place on Saturday. ————————————- First up, of the big teams, are Vasco da Gama who take on Botafogo-SP in what threatens to be a difficult group. Botafogo could be a threat here and, thanks […]

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2013-01-05 01:00:00

Image Credits: © (Twitter @Pele)

The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior is all systems go, so let’s take a look at three matches to take place on Saturday.

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First up, of the big teams, are Vasco da Gama who take on Botafogo-SP in what threatens to be a difficult group. Botafogo could be a threat here and, thanks to the help of Art Zantinge (@azantinge) we have some information on their side.

Eleven of the side played senior football in the Copa Paulista in 2012, while eight of the first-team that strolled through their opening two fixtures in this competition last season remain.

Most interestingly, they have a Kazakh striker called Rauan on-loan from the Ole Brasil academy who comes with a sizable reputation. The youngster also boasts a good previous record in state competitions.

As for Vasco, the club’s record at the competition has been poor in recent years and they face a difficult task once more.

Diminutive forward Marquinhos, 18, is known as “The Flash da Colina” for his whirlwind style and should be one to watch.

However, the club’s Under-20 side has been stripped following the club’s recent financial issues. Some have moved to cover gaps at first-team level, while others have left the club completely.

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In the evening, Palmeiras will take on Confiança in the Verdão’s opening game of the competition, with the club having sent a strong side to this year’s competition.

More on players to watch in this game can be found here.

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Finally, in the late kick-off, Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo open their Copinha campaign against 2012 surprise package Rondonópolis. The Mato Grosso side will feature many of the same players, but whether they can repeat their showing once more in 2013 remains to be seen.

Flamengo’s squad list has yet to be revealed for the tournament, but there are some players whose participation has been confirmed, including centre-back and captain Fernando.

Striker Rafinha is likely to be the team’s biggest goal-threat, while 17-year-old Douglas Baggio could support him in attack—the youngster scored at over a goal-a-game at Under-17 level and was linked with a move to Chelsea.

Besides Douglas, attacking midfielder Renan Donizete—son of former Brazil international Donizete Pantera—is also tipped to step up from Under-17 level and take his place on the substitutes bench.

Saturday’s Copa São Paulo fixtures:

Group B