By DAVID MOSSE
The first half of the Brazilian Championship came to a close this weekend with a number of local derbies highlighting the schedule. It's all part of a strategy to avoid teams fielding second-string lineups in the final round of the competition, and the most fascinating matchup took place on Sunday between Santos and Sao Paulo.

"2-2 and that's okay"IN THE TUNNEL:
A very late night for Reds supporters who have stayed up to watch "the best atmosphere in the league". You remember that right? Used to be D.C.'s then we came along. Then Seattle came along. And, then Portland came along. Sigh... at least we have those NutCan flags though right?

Maddy's Note: Ladies and Gents, presenting the latest in BigFourZa's long line of guest authors; Vivek. United fan primarily, but he supports his local team Real Zaragoza as well (at least he plans to when he gets there next month). You can read more of his work over at his blog; Afterthoughts where this post first appeared.

Everyone feeling better now? As is typically the case with our one-nil wins it was all frightfully nervy stuff towards the end, what with the aerial bombardment and off-the-line clearances, but three cheers for a clean sheet and away win. Huzzah, huzzah and thrice I say, huzzah!

AANP: Pretty Ignorant When It Comes to Football

So having banged on to anyone who will listen for past six months about how useless Crouch is with his head, lo and indeed behold the sight of the gangly one nailing an absolute textbook header in the opening moments.