Taça Guanabara 2012 Nears End: Daily

By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Just one round of the Taça Guanabara remains prior to the knock-out stages after Vasco and Fluminense played their postponed fifth round matches last night. For Vasco, it was business as usual as they notched up their sixth straight win in the competition following a comprehensive 3-0 demolition of Volta Redonda.

Number nine Alecsandro, who has hit the ground running in 2012, continued his excellent form with a brace, as well as setting up the other for William Barbio. Vasco are now guaranteed first place in the group.

Fluminense finally got back to winning ways with a 3-2 win over Americano. Goals from Rafael Moura, Thiago Neves and Wellington Nem did the damage, but once again saw a red card after Moura was dismissed.

Last Sunday saw the debut of Vagner Love for his beloved Flamengo and he didn’t disappoint as the Rubro-Negro ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Nova Iguaçu. The former CSKA Moscow striker played a part in Deivid’s opener and looked lively throughout despite the searing heat. Renato scored the second after the interval.

And Botafogo are finally finding form at the right time. After thrashing Olaria 5-0 in the fifth round, last Saturday they easily dispatched Bonsucesso 4-1 to move level on points with Flamengo and Resende at the top of Group A.

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