The Brazilian national championship returns this weekend, FC Santos are the reigning champions – formerly coached by Wanderley Luxemburgo – hoping to retain the trophy. The Brazilian national championship is one of the hardest leagues in the world to predict a winner from, lots of teams are capable of lifting the trophy. Here we run down the biggest Brazilian club’s and how they shape up, going into the 2005 championship.
Flamengo
The biggest supported team in Brazil. Flamengo has shown that it has still not recovered from its disastrous championship in 2004. Already they have fired two coaches (Julio César Leal and Cuca) before the national championship has even started. Defeat in the Taça de Rio final against Fluminense (4-1) proved that the clubs problems have not been addressed. They face their opening game of the season without a coach.
Chance of Success: None, at best Flamengo would hope to finish in the top 4.
Fluminense
Crowned Rio Champions, Fluminense didn’t have it all their own way in the final against Volta Redonda (5-6). However the Carioca champions seemed to finally combine as a team and enter the championship with a stable squad and coach.
Chance of Success: Outsiders, will most likely finish highest of the Carioca clubs, however the title would appear unlikely.
Santos
A bad Paulista championship by Santos’s standards, finishing only third behind Corinthians and the winners São Paulo FC. The loss of Wanderley Luxemburgo clearly will have an impact on the team’s chances, however they have managed to hold on to Robinho… for now.
Chance of Success: High, assuming they hold on to their top players, Santos stand a good chance of retaining the title.
São Paulo
One week ago São Paulo FC seemed like the clear favourites for the Championship. A relatively easy Paulista championship victory and continued success in the Copa Libertadores. São Paulo appeared to have everything in order to win the national championship. An iron defense centered around the Uruguyan international Diego Lugano and a very complementary attack made up of Grafite, Diego Tardelli and Luizão could surely ensure São Paulo’s success. But then disaster struck, Emerson Leão the coach who had built the team decided to quit and move to Japan. So like Flamengo, São Paulo look likely to be starting the championship without a permanent coach.
Chance of Success: High, the Paulista champions going to the tournament fearing no one.
Corinthians
Corinthians and its impressive manpower could well be the team of year. The MSI money and personnel bought, helped Corinthians move from 18th place to finish 2nd in the Paulista Championship. Carlos Alberto, Roger and Carlos Tevez all have what it takes to win games and championships. The arrival of Argentinian Mascherano should also reinforce the team during the competition. Coach Passarella has the experience and ability to help take this team all the way.
Chance of Success: High, money can buy success. If the team gel then anything is possible.
Palmeiras
A mixed Paulista championship which ended in a poor 9th place finish. However a few big name signings have excited the fans, world cup winner Juninho Paulista and Argentinian forward Sergio Gioino. But Tuesday’s defeat to Santo Andre in the South American Libertadores Cup led to Candinho resigning as coach with Paulo Bonamigo announced as his successor.
Chance of Success: Outsiders, Palmeiras can beat any team on their day but don’t yet have what it takes to win a championship.
The Best of the Rest
Lastly, in the other regional championships, Internacional seized the Gaúcho, Atlético-Pr the Paranaense championship and Cruzeiro were finally beaten by Ipatinga in Mineiro. Any of these teams are in with a shout of a Copa Libertadores spot, come the end of the season. The championship normally throws up a few surprises, so expect to see any one of these teams as potential early league leaders.
Also worth noting, is the arrival of Fortaleza and Brasiliense in the first division who will probably have to fight it out with Paraná, Juventude and Coritiba for survival.
This Brasileirão begins this weekend, an almost unique championship where nothing is certain. New heroes will be crowned, new villains created and excitement at every turn. Join us here at sambafoot to keep up to date all the latest Championship developments.
1st Week’s Games:
Saturday:
Paraná X Goiás: 0-2
Atlético-Mg X Figueirense: 4-1
São Caetano X Palmeiras: 2-2
Flamengo X Cruzeiro: 1-1
Sunday:
Internacional X Botafogo
Atlético-Pr X Big shot Preta
Fluminense X São Paulo
Fortaleza X Coritiba
Santos X Paysandu
Corinthians X Juventude
Brasiliense X Vasco.
