By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo’s recent good form hit a snag as the Rubro-Negro could only muster a 1-1 draw against lowly Sport last night in the 2012 Brasileirão. Despite their opponents being reduced to ten men, albeit late on, Fla could not find a vital second goal to steal the points.
Midfielder Ibson had put the Cariocas ahead after thirteen minutes, but they ceded the lead just six minutes later. After leveling, the side from Recife were content to sit back and absorb pressure, attempting to strike again on the counter.
Fla’s midfield was sadly lacking in imagination on a night when they enjoyed a far greater share of possession. Veteran striker Liedson didn’t have the legs to make a difference as Sport remained drilled and disciplined until the final whistle.
Sport goalkeeper Magrão, wearing the number 400 jersey in reference to the number of games he’s played for the club, made two spectacular saves at the death from Bottinelli and Liedson to keep his side’s point in tact. After a promising surge in recent weeks, Fla will see this as two points dropped.
Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira after the Alvinegro were thrashed 4-0 by São Paulo. Despite there being eighteen rounds remaining in the championship, such a dispiriting result leaves in serious doubt Fogo’s objective of qualifying for next year’s Copa Libertadores.
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