Botafogo’s Best Players Snap Streak and América For a Spot in The Next Round.

By: Mauro | October 2nd, 2008

Botafogo coach, Ney Franco, fielded his best XI for this match since he was trying to break the streak of 4 winless matches and qualify for the next round. América came into this one with a slight advantage and still hadn’t quite dominated another side in this tournament without question.

Diego Umaña’s side constructed a venerable spider’s web that trapped just about every early attempt that Botafogo had tried. Because of that, Botafogo began taking shots from just outside the penalty area.

But only 30 minutes into the first half, Wellington Paulista was able to break the dead lock on the score board. Off a truly fantastic play where Diguinho beat four defenders during a display of his technical ability, strength and tenacity, he marched into the area and laid it off perfectly for Wellington Paulista. 1-0 to Botafogo.

The change in the score line didn’t affect Botafogo’s search for the gal that would extend their lead and put one of their feet in the next round. América was relegated to just working off the counter attack.

Near the end of the first half, América had their first collective chance on goal that was ended with a shot by striker Víctor Cortés who was all by his lonesome but sent it wide.

The second half began with Botafogo searching for the goal that would have them looking to the next round. 5 minutes in, Carlos Alberto extended the lead for Botafogo off a spectacular bicycle kick shot off a cross from Jorge Henrique from the right. América keeper, Uruguayan Adrián Berbia could do nothing to stop it from happening. 2-0 to Botafogo and everyone in the Engenhão began thinking of the Quarter-Finals.

But they weren’t quite done yet. 6 minutes later, Alessandro crossed from the right in to Wellington Paulista who got off a one time shot and buried it past Berbia for the Botafogo’s third goal. 3-0 to Botafogo and the party in the stand hit a high note.

With one foot on the plane back to Cali, América stretched out a bit from it’s very defensive stance to try to move the ball collectively a little better. And in the 76th minute, Jose Velez took a monster of a left footed shot inside the Botafogo penalty area and América save a bit of face. 3-1 to Botafogo.

The final minutes had América try doggedly to get their second goal, the goal that could qualify them, but Botafogo was able to keep their resolve and the Colombian side at bay.

Final Score: 3-1 to Botafogo.

I had this one ending in a 1-1 draw. I am really sucking this week. I think my feelings about the sides being special are full of it. I’m going with logic from here on out.

Botafogo face the winner of tonight’s Argentine duel, Arsenal – Estudiantes in the Quarter-Finals.

Feel free to check the CONMEBOL website for results and information about upcoming matches and for those of you in need of a bracket to get your heads around the competition, get one here.