By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo qualified for the next round of the Copa do Brasil with a 2-1 win over Campinense last night. It took an own goal and a late strike from Elias to see the Rubro-Negro through to the third round, as the side continues to make progress under new coach Jorginho, despite a sluggish showing yesterday.
Flamengo took an early lead when Léo Moura’s right side cross was converted into his own net by Roberto Dias. The goal should have set the side in good stead against weaker opposition.
Yet in less than a minute, the visitors were level, with Bismark canceling out Flamengo’s advantage. As the first half wore on, Fla failed to seize the initiative and as the half-time whistle blew Campinense would have been the happier side, having successfully contained the Flamengo attack.
During the second half, Jorginho introduced newly signed Paulinho. The fresh arrival was to have a decisive role in Fla’s winning goal on 77 minutes. Elias tried a one-two with Hernane but the latter failed to control the pass.
Paulinho leapt upon the loose ball, dinking the ball over the top of the defense for Elias to finish and give Flamengo the win. Victory allowed the fans to forget a far from dazzling performance and kept their dreams of a major trophy in 2013 alive.
In the third round, Flamengo will face ASA of Arapiraca. The Alagoan outfit eliminated Ceará on penalties.
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