Derby day decided by penalties

Thiago Neves scores the winner for Flamengo (Maurí­cio Val/VIPCOMM)

After three months of mind numbing State Championships, nearly all of the 24 odd Brazilian State Championships kicked into life yesterday as their reached their finale with a number of historic derby matches deciding trophies and finalists. All of the three main derby matches played on Sunday (Palmeiras x Corinthians, Internacional x Grêmio and Flamengo x Vasco) were decided on penalties while a day earlier Santos beat São Paulo 2-0 away from home to reach the São Paulo State final. Continue reading

Ronaldinho free kick secures first trophy for Flamengo

First part of the Rio State Championship. Ronaldinho captained the team to victory

Ronaldinho and Flamengo win the Guanabara Cup (Maurí­cio Val/VIPCOMM)

Flamengo beat Boavista 1-0 in the final of the Guanabara Cup – part one of the Rio State Championships. The match was an all-round uninspiring affair which was settled by a moment of magic from Ronaldinho. Continue reading