Vasco are one tie away from a place in the Copa do Brasil last 16. Even though they played poorly and had numerous difficulties breaking past Boavista’s defensive barrier, Marcelo Cabo’s team prevailed 1-0 at Bacaxá for the first game of the third phase on Tuesday night.
Sarrafiore scored the match-winning goal near the end of the first half. Verdo de Saquarema also had Lucas Lourenço sent off after collecting his second yellow card in the 81st minute.
Vasco were taken aback by Boavista in the first minute of the match. Rômulo miskicked, allowing Michel Douglas to kick the ball long, forcing Vanderlei to play for a corner.
Vasco had the ball for most of the game, but couldn’t break through their opponent’s defence. However, Sarrafiore scored just before the halftime whistle, putting the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 at the interval.
After taking the lead on the scoreboard, Vasco began to play with more poise in the second half. With some minutes left on the clock, Jean forced Vanderlei to make a save with a free kick from the edge of the box, while Lucas Lourenço was sent off after collecting his second yellow card.
Even though they were down a man, Boavista had a fantastic opportunity to equalize the game on a set-piece with Gustavo Geladeira in the last stages of the game. Vanderlei, on the other hand, was equal to the task and was able to secure the Vasco victory.
The return leg will take place on Wednesday next week, in Sao Januário. But first, Vasco will play their next outing in the Brasileirão Serie B to face Ponte Preta on Sunday.
