Injustice at Maracanã

Despite playing better football, Grêmio fell to Flamengo 1-0 at Maracanã Stadium thanks to a goal by Renato in the final minute of the game. The result leaves Grêmio (26 pts) in 8th place with one game to go before the midpoint of the Brazilian Championship season. Flamengo (22 pts) jumped from 16th?? to 12th place.

The football by both teams left much to be desired. Due to tight coverage by Flamengo, Grêmio was trapped on its own side of the field for the first 15 minutes of the game. But the Brazil Cup champions were unable to convert their possession into scoring chances, and soon the Tricolor was able to counter with attacks of its own. The first scoring opportunity of he game came in the 20th minute when Rafinha passed to Tcheco inside the area. The midfielder’s shot was deflected out by a defender for a corner kick. Flamengo responded in the 28th when Renato Augusto got passed three defenders and tried to find Sávio in front of the goal. Marcelo Grohe, however, anticipated the pass and intercepted the ball. A minute later, Grêmio had its best chance of the half. Tcheco crossed to Hugo, who headed the ball over the crossbar. Flamengo created two more chances before halftime, with Marcelo defending shots by Sávio and Renato Augusto in the 32nd and 40th minutes, respectively.

In the second half, the game deteriorated into a foul-fest. Referee Sérgio da Silva Carvalho handed out nine yellow cards and two red cards. Wellington, for Grêmio,in the 27th and Obina, for Flamengo, in the 35th were sent off after being booked for a second time.

Other than the goal, Flamengo’s best chance came in the 28th. Following some confusion inside the Grêmio area, Obina sent a low shot towards the goal that was intercepted by Patrício before rolling in. On the following counter-attack, Hugo got the ball at midfield and made his way towards the Flamengo area. After shaking two defenders, he shot high over the crossbar.

As the game was ending and the tie seemed in hand, Flamengo caught the Tricolor in an offsides trap, leaving Renato one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Marcelo came out to challenge but was juked out of his socks as Renato had only to tap the ball into the net: Flamengo, 1-0.

Grêmio will now head to Caxias do Sul to face 16th place Fortaleza behind closed doors. A win would solidify the Tricolor in the South American Cup qualifying zone at the season’s midpoint.

Flamengo (1)	Grêmio (0)
Renato (90')
Fernando (47') Juan (49') Walter Minhoca (59') Renato Silva (62') Obina (76') Ronaldo Angelim (79') Obina (80')	Rafinha (23') Wellington (58') Tcheco (62') Wellington (72')
Venue:  Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Flamengo: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fernando, Renato Silva (Ronaldo Angelim, 69') and Juan (Walter Minhoca, 59'); Paulinho, Léo Medeiros, Renato and Renato Augusto; Sávio and Luizão (Obina, 58'). Coach: Ney Franco	Grêmio: Marcelo Grohe; Patrício, Pereira, William and Wellington; Jeovânio, Lucas, Tcheco, Rafinha (Herrera, HT) and Hugo (Léo Lima, 74'); Rômulo (Valdeir, 74'). Coach: Mano Menezes