Ronaldo keeps Corinthians dream alive
Reuters - Friday 02 April 2010, 05:35
BUENOS AIRES - Former Brazil duo Ronaldo
and Roberto Carlos helped Corinthians edge closer to their
dream of a first Libertadores Cup with a 2-1 home win over
Cerro Porteno of Paraguay on Thursday.
Corinthians head Group One with 10 points from four games,
three more than Racing of Uruguay.
Independiente Medellin of Colombia are third with three
points and Cerro Porteno have one.
Striker Ronaldo poked home a loose ball in the box to give
the Brazilian side the lead in the 36th minute at Pacaembu in
Sao Paulo.
Captain Chicao curled a free-kick into the top corner just
past the hour while left-back Roberto Carlos was voted man of
the match for a typically busy performance.
Corinthians were on the back foot in the final stages after
midfielder Julio dos Santos pulled one back in the 79th-minute.
Goalkeeper Rafael Santos was forced to make a smart save at
the near post from left back Ernesto Cristaldo to preserve his
team's lead.
Deportivo Quito retained their chances of qualifying from
Group Five with a 1-0 away victory over fellow Ecuadorean side
Emelec in the Pacific port city of Guayaquil.
Forward Ivan Hurtado converted a last-minute penalty
against 10-man Emelec after a foul by right-back Mariano Mina.
After four matches, Internacional of Brazil lead the group
with eight points followed by Uruguay's Cerro and Deportivo
both on seven. Emelec, who have no points, are eliminated.
Colombia's Once Caldas, crowned South American champions in
2004, beat Nacional of Paraguay 1-0 at home in Manizales with
an early goal by John Jairo Valencia to go top of Group Two.
After five matches, Once Caldas are a point ahead of three
times champions Sao Paulo. Monterrey of Mexico are third with
six points and eliminated Nacional have none.
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