Brazilian Serie A round up...
Posted by Gringo Maclure in Brasil Serie A, Brazil, Ronaldo, Transfers | 10 December 2008
Sunday saw the culmination of the Brazilian Serie A. Both the title and the relegation battle were decided on the final day. Sao Paulo, arguably South America's biggest, wealthiest and most organised football club claimed their 3rd consecutive title. Minnows Nautico clawed onto their top flight status by goal difference as more established team such as Figueirese and Vasco de Gama went down. Vasco, who until recently featured the aging Romario, are another heavyweight forced into the lower tier. Fluminense, finalists in the Copa Libertadores, survived by the skin of their teeth but seem to be half the team they were since Thiago Neves left for Europe and the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV.
Last season's relegated giants, Corinthians, are jumping straight back up to the top flight, winning Serie B by the highest ever margin. And as another indication that Brazilian football is still sadly living off the scraps of what Europe can offer in terms of interest, publicity and quality, despite the excitement of the close season, its Corinthians latest signing who is stealing all the headlines coming of South American football this week: Ronaldo.
As a pale overweight, unfit, disgraced shadow of his former self it will be interesting to see if the player who has scored more goals in World Cups than anyone else will be better for his club on the pitch than off: benches warmed, replica shirts sold or goals scored? What seems certain is that while AC Milan feature the cream of the present Brazilian squad - Pato, Ronaldinho, Kaka - it is Ronaldo who is being forced out of exile and back to his home league;
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