Rafael da Silva has been called up to the 23-man Brazilian national squad for their friendly
against the USA in August. New manager Mano Menezes has left out some of Dunga's World Cup squad,
after the team's disappointing end to the tournament.
Rafael is obviously very happy to have been called up and recognises he is likely to play in
Maicon's absence.
Nacional have signed a trio of players over the last few days. Nacional have picked up striker
Diego Barcellos, midfielder Thiago Gentil and centerback Alex Bruno. The 27 year old Bruno was
picked up from Brazil's Atletico-MG on a free transfer. Thiago Gentil came over from Brazil's
Coritiba and signed a two and a half year contract with the club, while Diego Barcellos another
Brazilian has
The 4 main state championships that Brazilandfootball follows are nearing the end. The Carioca has
already seen Botafogo be crowned 2010 Champions.
In the Paulista, sensational Santos took on Santo Andre in a packed Pacaembu (Corinthians' home
ground was used to maximize revenue from ticket sales) and beat them 3x2.
Brazilian football had an exciting Wednesday evening. In the Libertadores, Sao Paulo played
colombian Once Caldas in a bustling Morumbi stadium and beat them by 1x0 with a gol from
Fernandinho. The brazilian squad's coach Ricardo Gomes is coming under strict criticism by most
fans for not having Washington in the starting 11, and was forced to put up with frequent insults
from the fans last night.
The 3 other State Championships that the blog follows also had decisive games this weekend.
In the Carioca, the usual suspects have reached the finals. Maintaining Rio's tradition on
establishing mediocrity in football as the norm, it's pretty clear that the regulations of the
state's championship clearly favor the city's 4 large clubs (Flamengo, Fluminense, Vasco da Gama
and Botafogo) that, time and time again, reach the finals.
Santos is on a roll. When the "Meninos da Vila" don't play well (which in itself is a rare thing to
come by), luck is on their side. The squad steamrolled opponents in the Paulista and reached the
final against mighty underdogs Santo Andre.
In the first match, Santos won 3x2 - always worth seeing such attacking football again:
In the second match, Santos lost by the same scoreline.
Arguably the most competitive football championship in the world, Brazil's Serie A (affectionately
known as the "Brasileirao", or big brazilian) has seen its first two of 38 matchdays take
place.
The main contenders this year, judging from their performance to date, are Corinthians, Botafogo,
Cruzeiro, Internacional, Santos and Sao Paulo.
Arguably the most competitive football championship in the world, Brazil's Serie A (affectionately
known as the "Brasileirao", or big brazilian) has seen its first two of 38 matchdays take
place.
The main contenders this year, judging from their performance to date, are Corinthians, Botafogo,
Cruzeiro, Internacional, Santos and Sao Paulo.
