Even with one less man, São Paulo held a 2-2 draw with América-MG, on the night of this Thursday (18) at the Independência stadium, and qualified for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil, where they will have the Flamingo as an opponent. Tricolor secured the spot with equality because, in the quarterfinals, they won 1-0 at Morumbi.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
❤️❤️❤️?????? pic.twitter.com/jJJOWDiQ8n— Sao Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) August 19, 2022
São Paulo gave the impression that they would reach the classification without great difficulties, as they opened a two-goal lead in the initial stage. At the 22nd minute, Igor Gomes played for Rodrigo Nestor, who, with a heel, played for Luciano to hit a beautiful kick from the edge of the area.
Six minutes later Diego Costa kicked forward, the Argentine Calleri propped up with his heel high and Luciano dominated, dribbled Maidana and hit with class to extend the advantage of the Tricolor.
DO THE ???!
Does it deserve the #GameCraque? ?
?: Staff Images#CopaIntelbrasDoBrasil pic.twitter.com/nk1gfFGDwx
— Copa Intelbras do Brasil (@CopadoBrasil) August 19, 2022
But the Rabbit was not dead and managed to cash in before the break. In the 41st minute, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of the home team, with the help of VAR (video referee). The striker Wellington Paulista then went for the kick and did not hesitate.
If the first half started better for São Paulo, in the beginning of the second half América-MG had reasons to be more excited. First with the expulsion of defender Miranda after 12 minutes, because of a foul on Everaldo that led to his second yellow card. Then, at 19, when Pedrinho crossed and Everaldo finished with the first shot to draw 2-2.
From then on, the keynote of the match was as follows: Coelho pressing a São Paulo who worked hard to hold the result until the final whistle. And Rogério Ceni’s team was successful in its endeavor to take the vacancy.
Before starting the dispute for a place in the final of the Copa do Brasil with Flamengo, São Paulo will visit Santos next Sunday (21) for the Brazilian. On the same day, América-MG visits Athletico-PR.
