Football on Sad Wednesday

By: Bruno Romani | July 19th, 2007

The day after the worst plane crash in Brazilian history, it was hard to think about football. It was hard for three clubs to remember they’re in the relegation zone. The fates of América-RN, Juventude and Naútico seem to be defined.

The first lost against Atlético-MG by 4-1, which extended the stay of coach Zetti with the galo. América seems resigned with relegation, and for them every game tastes like good-bye. Juventude usually fights and is successful at holding on to first division, but this season they lost all the elements that made the club: the mix of young, experienced and players not wanted for bigger sides. The four goals they allowed against Atlético-PR in Curitiba showed a weak and heartless defense. Naútico, on the other hand, seems to put on good matches, but they always lose. Tonight, they faced a Cruzeiro that is giving signs of life, and ready for growth. The trio Roni-Wagner-Araújo worked, and once again Roni scored a pretty goal, helping his club in the 4-1 victory at the Aflitos.

It was hard for Corinthians remembering that big clubs are also relegated. The club from São Paulo visited Inter, a club affected for the plane crash not only for being from the city where the plane took off, but also because one its ex-presidents was aboard of the plane of the plane. In the pitch, Alexandre Pato returned from the mediocre U-20 WC and scored twice in the 3-0 match. His second goal showed skill, flair and force. Specially for a 17 year-old. Corinthians is now the first club outside the relegation zone. This was the sixth match of the club without a victory.

At the Morumbi, it was hard for São Paulo play against Fluminense. Renato Gaúcho closed all the spaces, leaving no options for the unproductive midfield of the paulista club. In the beginning of the second-half, Somália scored from the spot the only goal of the match. São Paulo fans can’t see Muricy Ramalho ahead of the club any longer.

Sport beat Figueirense in Florianópolis by 1-0 in of those typical mid-table matches perfect to be watched drunk in some working class bar. I was sober, too sober, and therefore didn’t follow it. But Sport impressively moved from the relegation zone few weeks ago to a sixth place.

With all this said, football was the least important thing of the day.
Our prays and hearts are with the families and friends of those affected.
Can anybody save Brazil from the general lack of responsibility and disregard for the population?