Flamengo Downs The Aguilas.

By: Mauro | May 1st, 2008

I expected this match to go a little differently. I honestly expected América to come into this match with a little chip on their shoulder. I mean, they had qualified for the round of 16 and then were opening this tie at home, I don’t think it was wrong of me to expect more from them.

In any case, Flamengo was far and away, the better of the two squads even if it was in only one department; putting the ball into the back of the net.

With that said, the first half was mostly Flamengo and it began with Marcinho looking quite dangerous. Although Salvador Cabañas was easily América’s best player, it was going to take more than one player having a good match to help them win. He was always in a dangerous position, came back to collect the ball when possible, helped to create chances and even took plenty of dangerous shots himself.

It’s no surprise to me that Marcinho was the first to score for Flamengo. Capitalizing on a great pass from the defensive end of the pitch, Marcinho had only Sebastián Domínguez to beat and then the keeper Guillermo Ochoa behind him. 1-0 to Flamengo.

But what seemed like only a moment later, América equalized off a header from Diego Cervantes with service from Enrique Esqueda. The goal gave America a little breathing room since they weren’t going to the dressing rooms for the half down a goal.

The second half felt a lot like the final 10 minutes of the first. There were times where this match felt like it could go either way and both keepers exchanged turns in the spotlight with excellent saves. Marcinho, again, broke the scoreless air and got one past Ochoa with a fantastic area crossing shot. 2-1 to the visitors. But again, with not one moment to exhale after the goal, América found the equalizer off a goal by Esqueda. 2-2.

Substituted players Diego Tardelli and Moura, finished off the locals in the 87th and 90th minute respectively. Tardelli’s came off a ball that went off the post and landed in Flamengo’s possession again for the nice cross to the center and the 3-2 to Flamengo. A streaking Moura received a lovely pass which he exchanged for a perfectly weighted lob over Ochoa’s head. 4-2.

I am of the thinking that if they had another ten minutes América would have found the way to find the goals to bring them level. But that’s the way América have been here in this competition. I covered this in my preview.

I had this one staying at 2-2. In fact, there was about 15 minutes where I felt like a genius, this match was 2-2 and the San Lorenzo - River Plate match was at 1-1. I was only moments from my predictions coming true. Ah well. Close enough for government work.

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