Corinthians striker Ronaldo had to be content with a
supporting role as his side beat Santos 1-0 in a Paulista championship
match marred by crowd trouble on Sunday.
There was unrest on the field in Rio de Janeiro where five players were
sent off in Vasco da Gama's 2-0 win over arch-rivals Flamengo at the
Maracana.
Ronaldo had scored in last previous two outings for Corinthians but this
time, strike partner Dentinho stole the show when he lost his marker to
meet Douglas's long cross with a powerful header in the 15th minute.
The match had been billed as a clash between former Barcelona, Real
Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan striker Ronaldo and Santos' 17-year-old
prodigy Neymar, but neither had an outstanding game.
Neymar, who had scored in two of his four appearances and is already
being compared to former Santos forward Robinho, was taken off midway
through the second half.
"It's very good to win," said Ronaldo. "It was his (Dentinho's) time to
score a goal. It was an important and decisive one."
At the end of the game, Santos supporters fought with police who tried
to stop them throwing missiles at Corinthians fans on the other side of
a fence.
Television pictures showed police lashing out with truncheons while
groups of fans attempted to attack individual officers.
OBJECTS THROWN
The fans were driven back into a corner of the terraces after
reinforcements arrived. Media reports said there was also trouble
involving Santos directors in the VIP box.
"Objects were thrown at us. Somebody threw some back, I didn't see who
it was, it wasn't me," said Santos president Marcelo Teixeira.
Corinthians, unbeaten in the tournament, are second with 33 points from
15 games, four behind leaders Palmeiras. The top four qualify for the
semi-finals. Santos are fifth.
Elton and Jefferson scored early in each half as Vasco beat Flamengo in
the Carioca championship, where the goals were outnumbered by red cards.
Flamengo midfielder Willians was sent off in the 16th minute after being
booked twice in as many minutes and Vasco's Carlos Alberto followed
moments after the half hour mark when he was given a second yellow card
for kicking the ball away.
Flamengo's Leo Moura was given a straight red for a foul in the 53rd
minute and Vasco's Ramon followed before the hour for a second bookable
offence.
Vasco finished with eight men when defender Titi was dismissed in
stoppage time. Flamengo coach Cuca was also dismissed. (Reporting by
Brian Homewood in Buenos Aries; Editing by Martin Petty) |