Brasileiro 2010 gets off to cautious start

Avaí knock in six on the opening day

The Brazilian championship kicked off on Saturday. With the exception of the games at the Engenhão and the Ressacada, the opening round was relatively short of goals by Brazilian standards.

With nearly half the league’s 20 teams set to play important matches in either the Libertadores or the Copa do Brasil midweek, it came as no surprise that many sides fielded a number of the reserves. While Santos put on a decent show in their 3-3 draw against Botafogo (see the highlights), Flamengo and São Paulo’s 1-1 draw in the Maracanã was a tedious affair (see the highlights).

The highest score of the day came in Santa Catarina where Avaí destroyed Grêmio Prudente 6-1 (see the goals).

Atlético Paranaense were the victims of some dubious decisions by referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique against Corinthians in the Pacaembu. After taking the lead through debut boy Wagner Diniz, Atlético had Paulo Baier and keeper Neto sent off. Corinthians replied with a well-taken goal by Souza. But a very dodgy penalty settled the issue. Ronaldo converted in front of a paltry 9232 fans. See the goals.

Despite their involvement in the Libertadores, Cruzeiro fielded a strong side and pulled off an impressive 2-1 win away at Internacional. See the highlights

Under pressure club, Palmeiras, got off to a winning start thanks to a goal by Lincoln against Vitória in the Palestra Itália.

Of the new boys, Vasco were the only side to lose as they went down 2-1 at Atlético Mineiro. Atlético Goianiense drew 0-0 at home to Grêmio. Guarani beat Goias 1-0 in Campinas, while Ceará saw off Fluminense by the same score line. This was Flu’s third consecutive loss since coach Muricy Ramalho took over.

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