Group stage over as semifinals set at IV Copa Brazil

Flamengo defeated the Gigante da Colina and Vila Velha eliminates Botafogo to go to semis along with Sport Recife and Vasco da Gama

Two matches would ultimately decide the final two semifinal tickets and one came down to a tiebreaker and the other was decided by only one goal. Flamengo and Vasco had already earned their spots in the semifinals but nevertheless they played an exciting match that could be a precursor to the finals. There was another shootout from a familiar team, Vitoria, who heartbreakingly lost for the third time in three games in penalties. The last match involved the home team and the final spot in the semifinals was on the line, though the visiting Sport Recife came out on top.

Flamengo not only wanted to earn first place in the group but also stay unbeaten heading into the knockout stage. Playing a century old rival in front of packed grandstands was the perfect backdrop for this exciting match. Flamengo scored first but needed spectacular saves from Cesinha to maintain their lead. The second period was filled with goals and saw the Urubu take advantage of the defensive mistakes made by Vasco. The final frame was very dramatic with Vasco attempting the large comeback, in fact they scored in the opening seconds to make the score 5-2 Flamengo, but both teams would score once more and the end result was Flamengo 6-3 Vasco da Gama. The two teams may see other again in the final on Sunday.

The Copa Brazil is no stranger to penalty shootouts and it seems like any match day is incomplete without one. Vitoria and Avai provided the sudden death penalties on Friday after a spectacular 16 goal effort in regular time, 8 goals from each team. The team from the bay of Salvador played in penalty shootouts in every one of their matches but they were left wanting after each one, losing to Flamengo on day 1, then Vasco on day 2 and to Avai in their final match in group play. The win by Avai was their first of the tournament and came in exciting fashion in the 8(4)-8(3) penalty victory. 

The Estrela Solitaria lost their opening match but still were in control of their own destiny to make the final. Based on their earlier matches Vila Velha had the advantage and needed only to lose by one goal, tie, or win, to advance, due to tiebreakers. Rodrigo Soares of the Glorioso took his team, Botafogo on his shoulders to ensure a win and semifinal birth. He scored four times for the Glorioso but that was not enough as Wesley Anderson nearly matched his opponents total with three goals of his own to stay within one goal and secure their semifinals birth. When the final whistle sounded, Botafogo had won 6-5 but a two goal win was necessary for them to advance. 

 The last match of the day was as exciting as any other match thus far and to add to the drama, the winner would secure the final spot in the semifinals. The home team, Manaus, seceded two early goals to the Leão do Norte but were not downtrodden. They quickly scored two goals from Kebinho and Leandro to level the score at two. The two teams exchanged goals and were neck-and-neck until Philip scored for the Papai da Cidade to go up for good and the match ended with a score of Sport Recife 6-5 Manaus. Despite the loss, the home crowd left the stadium cheering after such an emotional and tightly contested match.

The IV Copa Brazil will resume on Saturday afternoon, the 29th, with two semifinal clashes: Flamengo vs Sport Recife and Vila Velha vs Vasco da Gama. Saturday’s match schedule is as follows:

Semifinals (29.03)

Game 13 – 15:00 – Flamengo vs Sport Recife

Game 14 – 16:30 – Vila Velha vs Vasco da Gama