Ronaldo's goal gives Corinthians win in Brazilian Championship debut
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In their first match of the 2010 Brazilian Championship, Corinthians won at home 2-1 against Atletico-PR on Sunday as star striker Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal in the team's first victory of the tournament.
After being eliminated from the Libertadores Cup during the middle of the week, Corinthians' win on Sunday was a moral boost. Team head coach Mano Menezes contemplated quitting, but in turn was re-signed in a vote of confidence. Sunday's victory was proof that the team is still very competitive.
Atletico-PR scored the game's first goal in the 45th minute. On a stopped ball, Wagner Diniz skillfully blasted the ball directly at the goal, catching Corinthians' goalie Felipe by surprise and out of position. The ball sailed directly into the back of the net to the fans' deception.
Corinthians tied the match in the 59th minute. Ronaldo served a screen for a cutting Souza who dribbled through the defense and pounded the ball into the right side of Altetico-PR's goal.
As the game was coming to a close, Atletico-PR's Alan Bahia committed a senseless foul on Souza in front of the net. Ronaldo stepped in to take the penalty kick, nailing the ball into to the right side of the goal, scoring the game-winning goal and silencing his critics.
"It is a great start to the tournament. We earned three points in our debut. We still have a lot of things to fix, but it was important for us to win today's match. We need to win as much as possible while other teams are still active in other tournaments. We still feel the hurt from our elimination from the Libertadores Cup, but that is the great thing about soccer...just four days later you have another game to play and a chance reconstruct your spirits," said Ronaldo after Sunday's win.
In the 2nd round of play, Corinthians will travel to play Gremio on May 16. Gremio remains active and will play in the semifinals of the Brazilian Cup on May 12 against Santos. Atletico-PR will host Guarani on May 16 in their second match of the 2010 Brazilian Championship.
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