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MY BEACH SOCCER 
Victory against Vasco da Gama saw Botafogo lift the trophy ahead of the final stage of the competition.
Botafogo lifted the south, south east and midwest stage of the Copa do Brasil on Sunday after a hard-fought 3-1 win over Vasco da Gama in Leme, Rio de Janeiro.
In a competition that saw eight of the region’s best teams battle it out just south of the Brazilian capital, goals from Paulinho, Gabriel and Bryan helped see off the current Copa Libertadores holders, with Brazil international Lucao on target for the runners-up.
In the third-place play-off, Flamengo proved too strong for Gama in an 8-3 success, ensuring them a place in the top three and a spot in the final phase of the championship – with dates for the stage still to be confirmed.
“This was a very important title to consolidate the work we have done,” said Bêche Botelho, who reached the landmark of 100 games for Botafogo during the weekend’s action.
“At Botafogo, we have trained and prepared the whole year for the competitions, even in the period in which many athletes went to Europe. But this time we managed to pick up the win, in a difficult match against Vasco, who are a quality team. It was something we have deserved for a long time and it’s great to end the season on a positive note.”
In the individual awards, Izaias of Joinville-SC picked up the top scorer prize, Rafa Padilha of Vasco da Gama was named Best Goalkeeper, while Benjamin Jr. was MVP.
