Defending champions had no easy life to defeat the embattled Vitoria in debut, as Vasco run past Avaí . Vila Velha and Sport Recife secured points, too
Opening night in Manaus was full of emotion and plenty of goals, as the IV Copa Brazil 2014 is being played on the beautiful sands at the Ponta Negra Complex. In the nights´ first match, Vila Velha overcame a great five-goal performance from Sampaio Corrêa to gain three points. The defending champions, Flamengo, faced Victoria and needed overtime and eventually penalties to leave with the victory. Sport Recife faced an early deficit against Fluminense but that did not last long in their victory. The last match of the day was a clinic in scoring from Vasco da Gama as they got past Avaí.
It took only two minutes for the scoring to begin and after the match had ended, there had been 11 goals and six from the winning squad in what was an extremely competitive and tightly contested game. A free kick was nailed home by Buru of Sampaio Corrêa but Vila Velha responded nicely and took their first lead at 2-1. Vila Velha and Sampaio exchanged blows until late in the match when Vila Velha put some distance between them and their competition. The final score was Vila Velha 6-5 Sampaio Corrêa.
The ball never stopped moving in the match between Flamengo and Vitória, and it was a shame to see one side lose. The defending champions began the match very quickly and used a superb night from Bruno Xavier, 2 goals and converted penalty shot, to subdue their rivals. The game was back and forth and included two lead changes and two ties leading to the most exciting ending in sports, a penalty shootout. The hero Bruno Xavier connected in the shootout to give his team the 3(3)-3(2) win and two points.
In the third game of the night, Fluminense took an early lead, three minutes into the match, and tried to maintain composure but only two minutes later Sport Recife leveled the score. Neither side flinched until Fernando DDI put Sport Recife up 2-1 late in the first period, and that was the momentum shift that they needed to preserve the victory. Fluminese added a late goal on a penalty kick to get to within two goals, but it was not enough. The final score was Sport Recife 4-2 Fluminense
Known for their fanatical fans, Vasco da Gama gave their supporters much to cheer about. Their play throughout was technically sound and exciting and passionate, all the same time. Vasco da Gama star Lucão scored a hat trick was the games´ top scorer. Avaí had their own scoring chances and took advantage of them but were not able to slow the attacks of the team from Rio. Vasco da Gama secured their three points with the 9-4 win.
The action has barely begun and the excitement grows each day. Here is a schedule of the next matches:
Group stage – Day 2(27.03)
Game 05 / GC – 17:45 – Botafogo vs Sampaio Correa
Game 06 / GA – 19:00 – Vasco da Gama vs Vitória
Game 07 / GA – 20:15 – Fluminense vs Manaus EC
Game 08 / GB – 21:30 – Flamengo vs Avaí
