FIRST SEMI-FINAL: BOTAFOGO F.R X AMERICANO F.C.
Botafogo today the opportunity for revenge against Americano. The match starts at 4 pm, local time. Coach Carlos Roberto expects to see again the “amazing performance” they had against Vasco da Gama (final score 5X3):
“If we could repeat what we have done in that match, we’ll be in the finals, for sure. But we know we have a brave team in our way, so we have to be cautious too.”
The Lone Star squad will count on some reinforcements for the “battle”: attacking full-back Ruy and defensive midfielder Diguinho are returning to the team, replacing Neném and Joilson respectively. Forward Dodô, instead of many supporters and press critics, is maintained on the starting lineup joining Reinaldo.
Americano has the best form among all the other clubs in this Guanabara Cup is prepared to be the “surprising underdog” again. The Coaches, assistants and players are very confident about a positive result this afternoon and consequently qualifying for the final match: “Both teams will play for the victory during 90 minutes, I guess we’ll have a very equal match, there’s no favorite” said Coach Válter Ferreira.
Marcelo Uberaba is not available. He was sent off in last Thursday’s loss against Flamengo. Ferreira will decide about a new tactic, including Vinicius or sending Butti back to the midfield. Winger Ernani is back to the team. He didn´t play in the last match, to help preventing him getting a possible 3rd yellow card and suspension.
STARTING LINEUPS
BOTAFOGO X AMERICANO
Venue: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Date-time: 05/02 – 16h
Referee: Luiz Antônio Silva dos Santos
Assistants: Marcos Tadeu Peniche Nunes e Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima
BOTAFOGO: Max, Ruy, Rafael Marques, Scheidt e Bill; Thiago Xavier, Diguinho, Zé Roberto e Lucio Flavio; Reinaldo e Dodô. Técnico: Carlos Roberto
AMERICANO: Erivélton, Elson, Carlão, Robson e Flavinho; Caetano, Vinícius, Júlio César e Ernani; Butti e Faioli. Técnico: Válter Ferreira
