Fluminense seal title with 1-0 win

Fluminense won their first Brazilian Championship for 26 years amidst jubilant scenes at the Engenhão stadium in Rio on Sunday. A goal from striker Emerson after 61 minutes was enough to give Flu a nervy 1-0 win over relegated Guarani. Fellow title contenders Cruzeiro came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 at home to keep the title in the balance right up to the final whistle. Corinthians' title hopes ended with a 1-1 draw at Goiás, which saw them fall to third in the final table despite having led only two weeks ago.

Emerson (centre) celebrates the goal that won the league title.

Flu had much the better of possession in the first half but created few clear chances against a determined Guarani side. 40,000 expectant home fans grew ever more nervous and this clearly started to show in the play of their heroes the longer the game remained scoreless. The 0-0 scoreline at halftime was not in the script. The tension was relieved 16 minutes into the 2nd half. Carlinhos's cross from the left was met by a scuffed header from Washington which fell for Emerson to volley through the goalkeeper's legs from six yards out. On course for the title, Flu avoided the temptation of playing recklessly during the final half hour. The home side played cautiously and while they had few chances to extend their lead, Guarani rarely threatened to spoil the party. The final whistle was met with a massive outpouring of joy from the home fans but there was no pitch invasion in contrast to other recent title celebrations. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-fluminense-1-x-0-guarani-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387670/#/Futebol/Campeonatos Nacionais/Brasileirão Série A/page/1

Coach Muricy Ramalho claimed his fourth Brazilian title in five years adding to the three he won with São Paulo. After the match he claimed that he had played a large part in his side's success.

'I always say that the manager doesn't have to interfere a lot. However, this team needed me and I gave everything to it.'

 His side deserve the title for being the consistently the most complete and best organised side throughout the season. His team built mainly around the talents of experienced players like Washington, Fred, Deco and in particular Conca, has not always been the most entertaining but have played the most effective football. With few young starlets it is possible that his team won't be broken up as quickly as other recent champions.

Cruzeiro finished second after they came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 with goals from Henrique and Wallyson. Highlights here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/melhores-momentos-de-cruzeiro-2-x-1-palmeiras-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387710/#busca=cruzeiro

Corinthians fell from second to third in the final table as they could only draw 1-1 away to Goiás. Felipe Amorim for Goiás and Dentinho both scored in the first half. 3rd place means that Corinthians will now need to take part in the preliminary round of next year's Copa Libertadores while Cruzeiro go straight to the group stage. Highlights here.
http://globoesporte.globo.com/jogo/brasileirao2010/05-12-2010/goias-corinthians.html


Beneath the title chasers Grêmio secured a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Botafogo in the fourth place decider.The goals came from Douglas, Andre Lima and Jonas. With his goal, Jonas finished as the league's top scorer with 23 goals. It caps a remarkable turnaround for Grêmio since Renato Gaúcho took over as manager halfway through the season when they were in the relegation zone. They will qualify for next season's Libertadores provided that Independiente defeat Goiás in the final of the Copa Sulamericana. See the goals here http://sportv.globo.com/videos/v/os-gols-de-gremio-3-x-0-botafogo-pela-38-rodada-do-brasileiro-2010/1387718/#/Futebol/page/1

In the relegation decider Atlético Goianense drew 0-0 away to Vitória in Salvador. The draw was enough for Atlético to survive and condemn their hosts to life in Serie B next season. Goiás, Guarani and Grêmio Prudente were condemned to relegation before today. Last season's champions, Flamengo eventually finished in 14th just two points above the drop zone in what has been an underwhelming season for Brazil's most popular club. 


Final table

Rnk↓		Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
1		Fluminense	38	20	11	7	62	36	26	71
2		Cruzeiro	38	20	9	9	53	38	15	69
3		Corinthians	38	19	11	8	65	41	24	68
4		Grêmio	38	17	12	9	68	43	25	63
5		Atlético-PR	38	17	9	12	43	45	-2	60
6		Botafogo	38	14	17	7	54	42	12	59
7		Internacional	38	16	10	12	48	41	7	58
8		Santos	38	15	11	12	63	50	13	56
9		São Paulo	38	15	10	13	54	54	0	55
10		Palmeiras	38	12	14	12	42	43	-1	50
11		Vasco da Gama	38	11	16	11	43	45	-2	49
12		Ceará	38	10	17	11	35	44	-9	47
13		Atlético-MG	38	13	6	19	52	64	-12	45
14		Flamengo	38	9	17	12	41	44	-3	44
15		Avaí	38	11	10	17	49	58	-9	43
16		Goianense	38	11	9	18	51	57	-6	42
17		Vitória	38	9	15	14	42	48	-6	42
18		Guarani	38	8	13	17	33	53	-20	37
19		Goiás	38	8	9	21	41	68	-27	33
20		Grêmio Prudente	38	7	10	21	39	64	-25	28