Flamengo 4 Fortaleza 3

Yesterday, I would have ran the 10k race that I thought I had registered for, but instead learned Saturday that my registration had been cancelled, apparently because I lacked a CPF number (Brazilian social security number). That was a little disappointing, but I still was able to enjoy a football (soccer) match last night.

Journeying to the match was quite interesting as we first boarded a bus for Terminal lagoa. After arriving there, we transferred to the bus that would carry us to the stadium. Like most city buses, this bus was designed to carry about 50 seated passengers and 20 more standing passengers. Last night though, the bus had approximately twice that number of passengers crammed into every possible place. At one point in the trip, we rounded a corner and due to the weight distribution, the bus briefly was riding on 2 wheels. After a 20 minute ride though, we arrived at the stadium, resolving to take a taxi home...

The game was unlike any sporting event I have observed in the US. I never have been to a game where fans set fireworks off before and during the game. It was also quite interesting to hear all of the fans shouting in words that I had no chance of understanding. They were definitely very passionate about their team. Fortaleza has three major professional football teams, the best of which is Fortaleza EC of Brasilian Serie A. They also have Ceará FC, a Serie B squad, and a third team in Serie C. Fortaleza is in Serie A this year, but is currently near the bottom of the league table, meaning that they will msot likely be relegated to Serie B at season's end. For those of you unaware of how football works in most countries outside of the US, each year the bottom few teams of each division are demoted to the next lower division, with the top teams then being pormoted to the next higher division. The top teams of the top division (Serie A) are rewarded by being invited to participate in continent-wide champions leagues in addition to continued participation in Serie A. My report of last nights match follows, and I do still plan to post some Salvador photos at some point this week...

Flamengo 4 Fortaleza 3

Estádio Castelão
Fortaleza, Brazil
17 Sept 2006
18:10

A high scoring match saw Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro knock off Fortaleza EC in Serie A of the Brazilian league. Some highly questionable goalkeeping by Fortaleza allowed Flamengo to jump to a quick 2-0 lead, despite a few early chances by Fortaleza. The Fortaleza keeper displayed an inability to hold onto the ball, frequently giving up large rebounds leading to Flamengo scoring chances. Fortaleza was able to get one back shortly before the break with a nice set piece, but Flamengo responded quickly, scoring for the third time on what was also a nice set piece off a free kick from the far corner. The score stood at 3-1 at the half, with Fortaleza needing to return with more inspired midfield play and tighter goalkeeping if they were to have any chance at achieving any points from the match. Indeed Fortaleza returned from the break with a bit more speed and creativity from their midfield, and were able to get within 3-2 on a beautiful goal early in the second half. From the ensuing kickoff, Fortaleza quickly regained possession and had an incredible scoring chance within the Flamengo 6 yard box, but failed to capitalize. A few moments later, the combination of fast Flamengo strikers, slow Fortaleza defenders, and questionable goalkeeping led to a fourth goal for Flamengo. Fortaleza was able to get a third goal late, and had a few more scoring chances before full time. Fortaleza and their fans appealed for a penalty with about 2 minutes remaining after an attacker went down inside the six yard area. The attacker appeared to simply slip, and the referee saw it this way as well, ignoring the pleas of the Fortaleza captain for a penalty. Flamengo withstood a final corner kick for Fortaleza before the referee blew the whistle for full time, signalling the end of a high scoring affair in the Brasilian Serie A.