Flamengo wins Brazilian Cup

Flamengo defeated Vasco 1-0 yesterday and won the Brazilian Cup for the second time in its history - the first being in 1990. On a wonderful night at the classic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the most popular club in the country defeated its crosstown archrivals to build a 3-0 aggregate win in the finals of the tournament. With a goal scored by Juan in the first half, the team only had to waste time to see its first title in four tries at the Cup's final (it had lost the last three finals it had played on, in 1997, 2003 and 2004). With the title, Flamengo is the first Brazilian team guaranteed in the 2007 Libertadores Cup.

Speaking of the South American continental competition, defending champions Sao Paulo recorded a huge win last night, travelling to Mexico and defeating Chivas Guadalajara 1-0, thanks to a penalty kick scored by goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni. The Brazilian side dominated most of the first half, but Chivas had managed to pull even and later dominate the second half of the game. Just before the penalty kick, Chivas had a great chance and hit the crossbar. Both teams will play again in Sao Paulo next week, and the Brazilians need only a draw to advance to the final for the second year in a row. The other semifinal starts today, with Brazilian Internacional visiting Paraguay's Libertad.