Leaders Sao Paulo crushed by Corinthians
Reuters - Monday 27 June 2011, 01:49
RIO DE JANEIRO - Corinthians ended Sao
Paulo's perfect start to the Brazilian championship with a
crushing 5-0 victory on Sunday.
Sao Paulo, who had won their first five matches, conceded
all the goals in the second half after defender Carlinhos
Paraiba was sent off just minutes before half-time for a second
booking.
It was their worst ever defeat against their arch-rivals in
Brazilian championship matches and narrowed their lead in the
standings to two points over Corinthians, who have a game in
hand.
Midfielder Danilo opened the scoring in the 46th minute,
former Portugal striker Liedson notched a hat-trick and his
fellow forward Jorge Henrique (pictured) completed the rout by beating
goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni with a free-kick.
Sao Paulo have 15 points, Corinthians 13 and Palmeiras, the
third team from the city of Sao Paulo, 11 after a 2-0 loss at
Ceara.
The leaders, who have bet on youth this season, are already
without midfielder Lucas, who is in Argentina with Brazil
preparing for the Copa America in July, and will also lose four
young players picked for the under-20 World Cup in Colombia from
July 29 to August 20.
"This brought us back down to earth. It was a good lesson,"
Sao Paulo striker Dagoberto told reporters as he left the pitch.
Corinthians and Flamengo are the only unbeaten teams after
the side from Rio ended a run of four draws with a 4-1 home win
over Atletico Mineiro with a brilliant goal from Ronaldinho on
Saturday.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year, blamed for
Flamengo's recent indifferent form, hit a superb 67th-minute
equaliser into the top corner after midfielder Dudu Cearense had
headed the visitors into the lead.
Ronaldinho, booed off after last weekend's 0-0 draw with
Botafogo, had his name chanted by the fans. Midfielder Thiago
Neves also scored and striker Deivid scored hit a brace in the
last five minutes.