Corinthians beat Botafogo to extend lead
Reuters - Thursday 21 July 2011, 05:38
RIO DE JANEIRO - Corinthians moved seven
points clear in the Brazilian Championship on Wednesday after a
2-0 win at Botafogo earned them a ninth victory in 10 matches.
Striker Liedson opened the scoring for Corinthians a minute
before half-time and midfielder Paulinho made the game safe in a
counter-attack in the final minute.
Corinthians, who a day earlier pulled out of a bid to bring
back Argentine Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, have 28 points
from 10 matches after seven consecutive victories.
Sao Paulo are second on 21 points and Flamengo third a point
further back after a 0-0 draw at fourth-placed Palmeiras.
Corinthians hope to give Adriano his debut in the coming
weeks. The former Brazil and Inter Milan striker was signed
earlier in the year but has yet to play for them after Achilles
tendon surgery in April.
Struggling champions Fluminense announced they had signed
three players before Wednesday night's closure of Brazil's
transfer window for signings from abroad.
Fluminense signed Alejandro Martinuccio from South American
champions Penarol, 18-year-old River Plate midfielder Manuel
Lanzini and have taken former Brazil striker Rafael Sobis of UAE
side Al Jazira on loan.