By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo’s underwhelming start to the 2014 Brasileirão continued last night with a 2-0 defeat against Goiás. A poor second half cost the Alvinegro, who have won just one of their opening five matches in the competition.
Ramon and Danilo got the goals as the home side climbed into second place in the early season table. Botafogo, meanwhile, look like a side who will be battling relegation for the entirety of the national campaign.
Botafogo started the game well and set the early tempo. Emerson Sheik and Zeballos combined well in attack, the former missing a one-on-one with Goiás goalkeeper Renanto give the Cariocas the lead.
Young midfielder Daniel, who scored a hat-trick on Saturday night against Criciúma, failed to have the same impact on proceedings here. Dithering on the ball, he failed to supply the front line and Botafogo’s productivity suffered.
Again, at the start of the second half, Emerson and Zeballos continued to threaten the Goiás defense. Renan was once more forced into a fine stop to keep the scores level.
Yet Botafogo’s impetus fell dramatically when the home side went in front. David’s pass found Ramon, whose shot with the outside of his right boot went beyond Jefferson in the Botafogo goal.
There was barely a reaction from Fogo and fifteen minutes later their troubles were doubled. Ramon played a neat one-two with Tiago Real before supplying Danilo to put Goiás out of sight.
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