Sao Paulo wins its fourth National title
Sao Paulo won its fourth ever Brazilian National title on Sunday, after a 1-1 home draw against Atletico Paranaense at the Morumbi Stadium. With Internacional's 1-0 defeat at Parana, the difference between the two teams jumped to eight points, with just two games left in the season. It is the first National title for Sao Paulo in 15 years, after winning the championship three previous times, in 1977, 1986 and 1991.
After building a 1-0 lead in the first half, Sao Paulo fell back trying to wait for time to pass, aware that Inter was losing in Curitiba - a result that would give Sao Paulo the title even with a loss. Atletico gradually took control of the game in the second half, tying the game with just over ten minutes to go and almost scoring a second goal shortly later. As the referee blew the final whistle, Sao Paulo players and fans nervously waited for the scoreboard to confirm that Inter's game had ended. After all, if the team from Porto Alegre had managed to score twice in the dying moments of its match, it could still mathematically overtake Sao Paulo in the standings. But with the confirmation of Inter's loss eight minutes later, the party could finally begin.
Players were overjoyed with the title, finally relieving the pressure that had been put on the team after three second-place finishes in the year (in the Sao Paulo State, Libertadores and South American Recopa championships). The win was also particularly pleasurable for coach Muricy Ramalho, who also finished as runners-up to Corinthians in last year's Brazilian Serie A, when he was in command of Internacional.
Sao Paulo will now have two games to play before the end of the season. Defender Fabao and midfielder Danilo are almost confirmed to be leaving the team for Japan, while defensive midfielder Mineiro, one of the best players in the squad, is still deciding whether to accept an offer from abroad or stay at the club. Internacional will concentrate on getting ready for the World Club Championship, which takes place next month in Japan.
As for the tournament, there are still midtable fights for a spot at the Libertadores or the Sudamericana next year, as well as one last spot in the fight against relegation between Ponte Preta and Fluminense.
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I have finally solved the technical issues that prevented the regular updating of the blog over the past month or so. Many apologies for all the trouble caused by this, and thanks for your understanding.
After building a 1-0 lead in the first half, Sao Paulo fell back trying to wait for time to pass, aware that Inter was losing in Curitiba - a result that would give Sao Paulo the title even with a loss. Atletico gradually took control of the game in the second half, tying the game with just over ten minutes to go and almost scoring a second goal shortly later. As the referee blew the final whistle, Sao Paulo players and fans nervously waited for the scoreboard to confirm that Inter's game had ended. After all, if the team from Porto Alegre had managed to score twice in the dying moments of its match, it could still mathematically overtake Sao Paulo in the standings. But with the confirmation of Inter's loss eight minutes later, the party could finally begin.
Players were overjoyed with the title, finally relieving the pressure that had been put on the team after three second-place finishes in the year (in the Sao Paulo State, Libertadores and South American Recopa championships). The win was also particularly pleasurable for coach Muricy Ramalho, who also finished as runners-up to Corinthians in last year's Brazilian Serie A, when he was in command of Internacional.
Sao Paulo will now have two games to play before the end of the season. Defender Fabao and midfielder Danilo are almost confirmed to be leaving the team for Japan, while defensive midfielder Mineiro, one of the best players in the squad, is still deciding whether to accept an offer from abroad or stay at the club. Internacional will concentrate on getting ready for the World Club Championship, which takes place next month in Japan.
As for the tournament, there are still midtable fights for a spot at the Libertadores or the Sudamericana next year, as well as one last spot in the fight against relegation between Ponte Preta and Fluminense.
**********
I have finally solved the technical issues that prevented the regular updating of the blog over the past month or so. Many apologies for all the trouble caused by this, and thanks for your understanding.
posted by fejas @ 11:27 AM
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