By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo beat Fluminense 1-0 in the Arena Pernambuco yesterday evening in the sixth round of the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro. Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf scored the game’s only goal six minutes from time as he celebrated one year at the Alvinegro.
The result was harsh on Fluminense, who had been by far the better side in the first half. Despite a slow start to the second period, the Tricolor had been equal to their opponents throughout the 90 minutes.
Flu enjoyed more possession during the opening exchanges and had nine goal attempts to Botafogo’s three. However, they could not find a way to break the deadlock and lived to regret it.
Wágner, Fred and Gum all had good chances during the first 45 minutes, but goalkeeper Jefferson was equal to their efforts. Rafael Marques had Botafogo’s best chance, heading wide from Seedorf’s cross.
Botafogo looked like a completely different team at the beginning of the second half. Vitinho and Dória both went close for the Glorioso soon after the restart.
Nevertheless, Flu slowly fought their way back into the game. On 66 minutes, Rafael Sóbis wanted a penalty when he claimed Jefferson tripped him in the area, but the referee waved “play on,” replays showing the goalkeeper got to the ball first. The game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until, on 84 minutes, Seedorf’s long range shot beat Diego Cavalieri to snatch the points.
The victory took Botafogo to the top of the table, one point ahead of Coritiba in second place. Coritiba drew 2-2 with Flamengo on Saturday.
In Rio Grande do Sul, Vasco lost 5-3 to Internacional in a goal feast. Vasco went 2-0 down before André pulled one back. Índio made it 3-1 before Vasco scored again but Rafael Moura and D’Alessandro put Inter out of sight.
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