Rio State Championship
Cabofriense 2 x 0 Botafogo  (Campeonato Carioca) – Thurs 11 March 2004

FOGO LOSE AND REMAIN FAR FROM QUALIFICATION

On a day that Fogo goalkeeper Max will want to forget in a hurry, Cabofriense beat Botafogo 2-0 on Thursday afternoon in Cabo Frio, leaving Fogo three points off a qualification spot for the semi-finals of the Taça Rio (second round of the Campeonato Carioca) with only two games remaining.

After 9 minutes Fogo defender Ruy diverted Flavinho’s cross and Cabofriense opened the scoring direct from the resulting corner kick thanks to an absolute howler from the Fogo ‘keeper. Bechera crossed into the 6 yard-box and Max, completely misjudging the flight of the ball, knocked it into his own net as he attempted to collect.

Unable to free themselves of the tight Cabofriense marking, Botafogo resorted to long shots. Camacho sent in a free kick that Adriano punched clear. Then it was Jorginho Paulista’s turn to try his luck from far out, only to see the ball fly way off target. On the half-hour mark Cabofriense almost increased their lead when Bechera’s free kick hit the woodwork as Max once again was left wanting.

Botafogo’s best chance came on 37 minutes. After a quick move in the penalty area Camacho shot and Adriano made a great save, puching the ball wide.
Unhappy with the lack of attacking creativity from his team, Fogo coach Levir Culpi made two substitutions at half-time. Daniel and Dill replaced Jorginho Paulista and Valdo. However the pattern of the game was hardly affected. Fogo remained stifled by the opposition’s tight marking and, despite creating a few more chances, were let off on a number of occasions when Cabofriense should have scored again from their dangerous counter-attacks.

The alvinegro team had their first chance 4 minutes into the second half, as Sandro thundered a free-kick just wide. On 62 minutes Almir received the ball in front of goal, turned and shot, but Adriano saved well. Two minutes later it was Max, at the other end, who denied Flavinho.
Dill also had a good oportunity but produced a weak header when Camacho’s cross found him in the area. Cabofriense continued to threaten, Joãozinho and Felip both missing chances to increase the lead before Filip did finally make it two on the 89th minute. Max once again looked partly at fault as Esquerdinha’s shot, slightly deflected, bobbled over his diving body, bounced off the post and fell to Felip to tap the ball home.

Fogo now face Flamengo on Sunday and must win to have a realistic chance of making the semis and keeping their title hopes alive.