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Posts Tagged ‘fluminense’

Palmeiras 2-3 Fluminense

Posted in Brazilian Championship, tagged , , , , , , on November 12, 2012 | 8 Comments »

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Touches of cruelty. Sadism, even. Palmeiras vs. Fluminense was a good game, practically on equal terms, and little reflected that one side are desperately struggling against relegation while the other are the protagonists of the best campaign in the history of Brazilian national championships.

Both teams altered between great and less great moments in the first half, but Fluminense got a grip on things in the final 10 minutes and I remember muttering to myself “ride it out into halftime, just ride it out”. They didn’t. A difficult save from Bruno bounced back to a solitary Fred who netted after the ball having touched both Román and Bruno on the way in: a quite unlucky last sequence of the first half.

The jinx remained with us into the second half: at eight minutes Fred crossed the ball and an intercepting Maurício Ramos deflected it into his own goal.

Quick replies from Barcos and Patrick Vieira – first from a corner and then from a perfectly curved free-kick taken by Correa to the advancing midfielder – and within 15 minutes the scorecard was even. Palmeirenses all over the world started believing , and it nearly happened twice with Maurício Ramos: a header just over the crossbar and a point-blank shot with former Palmeiras keeper Diego Cavalieri operating a miracle.

Then, it fell apart. Kleina had already made his three substitutions as Patrick Vieira strained his left ankle, Correa started to feel muscle cramps and João Denoni dislocated his shoulder. Fluminense wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity and Fred (who else?) closed the scorecard at 42 minutes to become Brazilian National Champions 2012 with three rounds to go. Impressive. But also rather sad (both for Palmeiras and for the sensation of celebration in a virtually empty stadium – see picture at the head of this post).
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Palmeiras’ road to salvation consists of three mandatory victories: Flamengo (away), Atlético Goianense (home), Santos (away). In addition, Palmeiras need to pass at least two out of three teams ahead in the tables: Portuguesa (playing Grêmio at home, Internacional away and Ponte Preta at home); Bahia (playing Ponte Preta at home, Náutico at home and Atlético Goianense away); and Sport (playing Botafogo at home, Fluminense at home and Náutico away). In order for this to happen, Portuguesa and Bahia are allowed a maximum two draws each. Sport are allowed a win and a draw.

On paper, Bahia have the easier path and must be considered favourite to avoid relegation, while both Portuguesa and Sport might fall short of accumulating a sufficient number of points to steer clear solely on their own merits.

The million dollar question: can Palmeiras pull three rabbits out of the hat?
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Sonar pings #48

Posted in Administration, tagged , , , , , , , on November 9, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

It’s been a while since we last had them, the sonar pings. Partly, because everything with Palmeiras turns into such a mess it demands a full post. Actually, these recent happenings do as well but I’ll shamelessly admit I don’t have the time nor energy to waste beyond the minimum. It’s not the right word, but “enjoy”.

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Following the continuously not-so-good results, Palmeiras supporters are increasingly edgy and both directors and some players have reportedly been receiving threats. Mainstream media has been blowing the story up, and although it’s of course unacceptable that players walk around in fear – in addition to highly counter-productive – the whole thing shouldn’t be overestimated. Just nerves and that’s that.

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On the other hand, Palmeiras’ administration is sufficient to drive the calmest man insane. Returning from Araraquara, where Palmeiras drew 2 all with Botafogo last Sunday, communication at some point tilted: players were told they’d have all of Monday and Tuesday morning off, but no one got the message through to the rest of the staff or the journalists: everyone turned up on Tuesday morning, while players only arrived in the afternoon.

The day was crowned with the announcement that Palmeiras would make 11.000 seats – not the standard 4.000 – available for Fluminense supporters in Sunday’s do-or-die clash in Presidente Prudente. Instead of trying everything within reach to boost our chances of avoiding relegation, our directors have their minds on the few extra bucks they can make by selling more expensive tickets to a larger number of the opponent’s supporters. Chocking, to put it mildly. Luckily, the immediate reaction from Palmeiras supporters was strong enough to have the directors retreat within 24 hours, on Wednesday announcing that 4.000 tickets would be available for Fluminense supporters.

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Speaking of Fluminense: the carioca club sustain the largest pay check of all Brazilian teams – roughly US$ 4 million a month. Perhaps not that surprising considering that player like Fred and Deco each receive some US$ 350.000 a month. The lion’s share is covered by the club’s sponsorship deal with Unimed.

In 2011, Corinthians sustained the largest pay check and were crowned champions of the Brasileirão. Fluminense are heading in the same direction: a victory against Palmeiras on Sunday is all it takes. Palmeiras on the other hand need the victory to maintain any hope of remaining in the first division.

Unfortunately, spending money is not a guarantee of success, our Verdão being the clearest example: with a total of some US$ 3 million a month, fifth-ranking Palmeiras are not quite up there fighting for top positions.

Below, a list of the top 10 spenders in Brazilian football (numbers in US$).

1º. Fluminense – 4,0
2º. Grêmio – 3,5
3º. São Paulo – 3,2
4º. Inter – 3,0
5º. Palmeiras – 2,9
6º. Atlético-MG – 2,7
7º. Corinthians – 2,6
8º. Flamengo – 2,5
9º. Botafogo – 2,2
10º. Vasco – 2,0

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As announced by the president of Palmeiras’ Deliberative Council José Ângelo Vergamini, the club’s General Assembly will take place on 19 January. It’s still unclear in what manner the associates will ratify the Direct Vote proposal: by approving/rejecting the whole package or voting the proposal and then each amendment separately. The second option would be correct and give members a chance to modify (i.e. lower) the filter for candidates to run for election (currently set at 20 per cent of approval from the Deliberative Council). The battle never ends.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

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Palmeiras 2-2 Botafogo

Posted in Brazilian Championship, tagged , , , , on November 5, 2012 | 2 Comments »

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The straws we’re grasping at are increasingly slim, short and slippery. The draw against Botafogo wasn’t the last nail in the coffin, but Palmeiras are now seven points behind Bahia (would’ve been five hadn’t Lusa keeper Dida make things that much easier for the baianos) and Portuguesa, with Sport – also in the relegation zone – three points ahead of us. Twelve points (four rounds) are still available, meaning that Bahia and/or Portuguesa are not allowed to sum more than five points each while Palmeiras must win all remaining games (Fluminense, Flamengo, Atlético Goianense and Santos). You optimistic? If Vasco da Gama lost six in a row, we could win four… Always look on the bright… And so forth.

Yesterday’s game was a good game, a tight duel. Palmeiras just blew too many clear chances while individual faults (this time Maurício Ramos seemed as if having two left feet) tipped the scale against our favour. Barcos was magnificent (again) and with his two successful attempts reached his personal goal for the season: 27 times on the score sheet – the same amount he scored last season for LDU. Yesterday, Barcos’ late equaliser was a piece of art. He’s simply too good for Palmeiras, at least the Palmeiras we’ve come to know the last few years. Would he stick around for second division play? I don’t think so. And it wouldn’t cross my mind blaming him for not to. If we’re in fact relegated perhaps a creative solution could be found, with Barcos on loan to let’s say Cruzeiro for a season. After all, he’s on contract with Palmeiras until 2015: would be a shame to see him go so soon, especially after having bonded so well with the Palmeiras supporters.
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A week of training before Sunday’s clash in Presidente Prudente against visiting top dogs Fluminense, with Fred and all. A loss and Palmeiras could, depending on a combination of results, be mathematically relegated (and Fluminense crowned champions) already on that same night. A win and hope regains its strength. Coach Kleina believes in four straight wins: he remains motivated and Palmeiras are in his prayers. Positive energy, prayers and dreaming come free of charge. I’d encourage everyone to do a little bit of each.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

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On a roll

Posted in Administration, Players, tagged , , , , , on July 22, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Silently and surprisingly efficiently, the previously so criticised gentlemen Tirone and Frizzo have been working away. The imbroglio with Martinuccio and Fluminense is apparently far from a solution, but Tirone has given clear indications that this is a fight he’s going to pick. Sooner or later, in one way or the other, Fluminense and/or Martinuccio will pay a price for breaching the pre-contract – that is unless Fluminense pull a rabbit out of the hat and convince everyone that the arrangement the Argentine had with Palmeiras is void.

While the tug-o-war for Martinuccio occupied space in the media, Palmeiras signed with the 20-year-old promising left-winger Gerley, who had also received offers from Vasco da Gama. In the end, the opportunity to play under Felipão settled the youngster’s mind and he stays at Palmeiras until the end of July 2014 for the transfer price of US$ 810.000 (corresponding to 50% of his economic rights). Gerley should make his debut on Sunday against Fluminense – as Gabriel Silva is serving the Sub 20 National Team – and integrated Scolari’s starting eleven today during practice.

Also Valdivia was in the starting eleven. The smaller medical problems he had while playing for Chile in the America Cup seem to have vanished. Let’s indeed hope he’s fully recovered; his creativity on the midfield is very much needed.

Tirone and Frizzo treated the supporters to yet another good surprise today, on the 60th anniversary of Palmeiras title as first World Club Champions: the acquisition of 50% of Cicinho’s economical rights and an extension of his contract for an additional four seasons. The right-winger, who arrived early this year on loan and already caught the attention of other clubs, has fitted like a glove at Palmeiras (he for example neutralised Ronaldinho in last Wednesday’s game against Flamengo). Now on a contract with Palmeiras until the end of June 2015, Cicinho has every possibility to become our permanent man of choice on the position.

This blog will always criticise when needed and praise when possible. The posture of Palmeiras’ directors in regard to the Martinuccio affair and the recent signings deserve our “WELL DONE”.

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OFF TOPIC END NOTE: My deepest sympathy to the victims (currently 87 and counting) and the families of the victims of the horrifying Oslo bombing and following massacre at Utøya. May Norway and its citizens find strength to cope with this tragedy in a way that will honour the country’s traditions and fundamental values, preserving it as a peaceful, open and safe nation. God bless.

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