By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A comfortable 2-0 win for Fluminense in the fourth round of the Taça Rio set the side in good stead as they look to qualify for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, rivals Flamengo shockingly lost 2-1 to Audax and lie in fourth place in Group B.
Goals from Jean and Rafael Sóbis gave Flu victory over Boavista at the Moça Bonita stadium in Bangu. The match saw the return of Seleção striker Fred, fresh from scoring in consecutive outings in national colors.
The number nine didn’t get on the scoresheet but teed up Sóbis for his first goal of 2013. The Tricolor travel to group leaders Resende this coming Saturday.
New Flamengo coach Jorginhois yet to record a win after the Rubro-Negro catastrophically crashed against Audax. With three rounds remaining in the group stage, Fla are six points behind second-placed Fluminense.
The game started dreadfully for Jorginho’s men. With less than two minutes on the clock André Castro put the minnows ahead to further dent Flamengo fans’ confidence.
Feeling the pressure from the terraces as supporters turned on the team Mengo failed to perform, Hernane missing a golden chance before the break. But eight minutes into the restart they were level through Gabriel.
Flamengo enjoyed more possession but played without purpose. Audax were far more organized, tactically and emotionally, and got a deserved winner in injury-time, Hyuru finishing a counter after Carlos Eduardo was caught in possession.
On Wednesday, Vasco and Botafogo meet in a classico encounter. It was postponed this past weekend after the closure of the Engenhão Stadium.
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