The dream of unprecedented access to Series A of the Brazilian Championship, although difficult, remains alive for Operário-PR. This Wednesday (23), Fantasma defeated América-MG 1-0 at the Germano Krüger Stadium, in Ponta Grossa (Paraná), in the 33rd round of Series B. The match was broadcast live on TV Brasil.
The people from Paraná gained two positions – even surpassing the Minas Gerais team – and rose to 7th place, with 50 points, six behind Mirassol, last in the group of the top four placed (G4), who would win promotion to the first division if the competition ended now . The miners, with 49 points, are in eighth place. There are still 15 points up for grabs in the next five rounds.
The first half was one of total American dominance, which only failed to result in a goal because of Rafael Santos, who saved Operário in at least four situations. In the 15th minute, the goalkeeper blocked a shot from striker Rodriguinho, who advanced to the left side of the area and hit it with a curve. At 32, the number 1 stopped defender Lucão, who finished first time, almost from the penalty spot, following a corner.
Six minutes later, it was Rafael Santos’ turn to prevent midfielder Daniel Júnior from opening the scoring with a low shot from the edge of the area. The archer still shined at 42, avoiding Brenner’s submission, who appeared on the right, with freedom. The striker had even found the net in the 26th minute, after a free kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Fantasma’s goalkeeper appeared again in the second half. First, by defending with his fingertips, Daniel Júnior’s shot from the edge of the area, in the second minute. Then, at ten, he saved the defense of defender Borech, who failed inside the area and left the ball with Rodriguinho, who stopped at the archer.
Until the 25th minute of the final stage, Operário had not managed to take a single shot towards the American goal. When he finally managed to score, he scored. Striker Ronald received it on the right, close to the entrance to the area, took it to his left leg and hit it in place, with no chance for goalkeeper Elias, scoring a great goal. América even launched an attack in search of a draw, but in a confusing way, without changing the score.
Boogeyman delays Thigh
Another three games moved Series B this Wednesday. In a confrontation involving teams with different aspirations in the table, Paysandu defeated Coritiba 2-1, in a comeback, at Curuzu, in Belém. Coxa got complicated in the fight for access, stagnating at 47 points, in 9th position, nine points behind. from Mirassol. Papão rose to 13th place, with 40 points, four points ahead of the relegation zone (Z4).
The Paraná team opened the scoring in the 24th minute of the first half with striker Júnior Brumado, after a great individual play by midfielder Lucas Ronier. In the final stage, Bicolor had Matheus Trindade sent off in the 9th minute, but managed to equalize in the 30th minute, with a penalty taken by midfielder João Vieira. In the end, in the 44th minute, even with one man less, Paysandu scored the winning goal, with striker Jean Dias.
Bridge sinks Brusque
The other two matches of the day were direct clashes against relegation. Ponte Preta hosted Brusque at Moisés Lucarelli Stadium, in Campinas (SP), and won 2-0, leaving the relegation zone. Macaca had 38 points, in 14th position. Marreco, in turn, fell to penultimate place, with 33 points, three behind CRB, the first team outside the Z4.
Alvinegro’s two goals came in the final stage, with a decisive participation from Élvis. After ten minutes, the midfielder launched Gabriel Novaes, who headed the ball into the net. Also forward Renato closed the scoring at 38, taking advantage of another assist from Ponte’s number 10.
Ituano complicates Pantera
Macaca’s triumph placed Botafogo-SP in the relegation zone. Even playing at the Santa Cruz Stadium, Pantera was beaten by Ituano 1-0. The team from Ribeirão Preto (SP), with 36 points, fell to 17th place, opening the Z4. Galo Rubro-Negro is right behind, with two points less, still threatened by relegation.
Ituano’s winning goal came in the 35th minute of the second half, with defender Guilherme Mariano, in the area, completing the header from striker João Carlos. It was the red-black team’s first game since the dismissal of coach Alberto Valentim.
