Semi-final matches set as Sampaio and Vasco top groups

Finishing positions decided on last day of group games in Copa do Brasil

The four semi-finalists were in action amongst themselves on the last day, as last year’s winners Botafogo lost in a close tie to Vasco da Gama, and an even closer bout saw Sampaio Corrêa edge Vitória.   

With the semi-finalist already decided, the final day of group stages was all about tussling for finishing position.

The day was made up of two types of contest: one to see who would ultimately top the group and another to see who could avoid finishing last. 

Sampaio Corrêa secured first place in Group A with a 5-3 victory over Vitória. Felipe netted a hat-trick (taking his tournament tally to seven), and Eudin and Edinho also scored. Reyder (2), Anderson Wesley and Alisson were on target for Vitória, who finish second in the group to face Vasco in the semi-final.

The defending champions were defeated on the final day by Vasco da Gama, five goals to three. But having already qualified, Botafogo are still in the race to retain the title, and will meet Sampaio Corrêa on Friday.

Doubles from Benjinha and Lucão for Vasco, as well as a single Rafinha goal, was enough to take the top spot in Group B, while Rodrigo (2) and Igor converted for Botafogo.

The semi-finals will take place on Friday and these are the matches you can expect:

16h: Sampaio Corrêa vs Botafogo

17h15: Vasco da Gama vs Vitória

But as four teams move forward, four must wave goodbye to the Copa da Brasil for another year…

In the other clashes of the day, Murici-AL beat Gama by 12-5, with hat-tricks from Dino Tambaú and André. Aldair (2), Hector, Xepa, Pica-Pau and Lucas Xavier were also on the scoresheet for Murici-AL, while Thiago (2), Antonio, Two and Luis were on target for Gama.

Next it was the turn of América-RN and Boavista to stage a competitive and tightly-fought bout in the fight for third place. Finishing at 4-5, Alan, Daniel, Silvinho, Jadson and André Portela scored for Boavista, and Diego, Folinha, Edson and Xandinho netted for América-RN

Thursday 22th (Matchday 3) – Results

Murici – AL 12 – 5 Gama – DF

América – RN 4 – 5 Boavista – RJ

Sampaio Corrêa 5 – 4 Vitória – BA

Vasco da Gama 5 – 3 Botafogo

Final Group Standings: 

GROUP A

1st Sampaio Corrêa – (9 pts)

2nd Victory – (6 pts)

3rd Murici – (3 pts)

4th Range – (0 pt)

GROUP B

1st Vasco – (9 pts)

2nd Botafogo – (6 pts)

3rd Boavista – (3 pts)

4th América-RN – ((0 pts)

Follow two semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil 2018 LIVE on SPORTV.