Local team, Manaus, makes debut along with Botafogo, though the ‘Lone Star’ has their opening spoiled. Vasco and Flamengo secure semi-finals
The action on the second day was just as exciting as the first and there was even a penalty shootout just as on the first day. In what speaks to the lack of disparity between all the teams, the two teams who were forced into penalty shootouts are the two last champions of the tournament, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo. They both could have very easily lost and be on the outside looking in. One team, Sampaio Corrêa, lost a heartbreaker in their first match and was not fazed by their second opponent, Botafogo and their win proved that.
Sampaio Corrêa rebounded nicely from their opening day loss as they narrowly defeated Botafogo 3-2 in Botafogos´ first match. The Estrela Solitaria went on the attack early against Sampaio Corrêa , who needed the win to keep their title hopes alive. The early attacks proved fruitful as only 4 minutes into the match Botafogo scored. Serginho of the Tricolor de Aço quickly scored the equalizer. The Glorioso went ahead one more time with a goal by Rodrigo Soares, but the Bolivia Querida answered with two goals of their own and fended off the comeback attempts of Botafogo.
In the second game of the night, Vasco da Gama needed penalties to come out with the win over Vitória. After a 3-3 tie in normal time, and a scoreless overtime, the 3-1 penalty shootout was just as exciting as the previous 4 periods of play. The fireworks began in the 6th minute when Georgie Vascaíno struck first, giving Vitória the early lead, but only four minutes later Reyder tied it up for Vasco. The teams then alternated attacks and headed into the final frame, when no one scored, setting up the tense overtime and subsequent penalties. Vasco escaped with the win after cruising in their first match.
If Manaus had wanted to warm-up or ease into their first action of the tournament, their wish was denied. Seconds into the match, the shots were flying and ricocheting off the crossbar and goalposts. Flu were content to maintain a stout defense but in the 5th minute O Gavião do Norte found the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. Fluminese swiftly changed their tactics and nailed a beautiful shot from Maikinho to tie up the game. The second period ended tied at 3 and the third period began with 3 quick goals from Manaus and they held off the Fluminese rally.
Flamengo defeated Avaí by a score of 9-3 behind two goals from their star Bruno Xavier. The win and three points guarantee the Fla a spot in the semifinals. Playing better than they did in their opening match win, Flamengo had very little trouble overcoming Leão da Ilha. Vitória will face Avaí on day three, with both teams vying for pride and their first win of the tournament.
There are still plenty of questions for the elimination rounds as the final day of the group stage looms. The pressure is only building as every team has something to play for and wants to finish as best they can.
Today’s matches are as follows:
Group stage – Day 3 (28.03)
Game 09 / GA – 17:45 – Vitória vs Avaí
Game 10 / GB – 19:00 – Vila Velha vs Sampaio Corrêa
Game 11 / GA – 20:15 – Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama
Game 12 / GC – 21:30 – Manaus EC vs Sport Recife
