By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Vasco made it through to the second round of the Copa do Brasil with a 1-0 win over Resende at São Januário last night. There was further controversy for the Cruz-Maltino following Sunday’s Campeonato Carioca final, when right-back André Rocha had a goal wrongfully disallowed at the end of the first half.
However, Vasco were awarded a penalty after the interval when Reginaldo was felled by Thiago Sales in highly dubious circumstances. Douglas stepped up to convert the spot kick and send the club into the next round.
It was a poor performance from the home side however, admittedly on a heavy and sluggish playing surface. Vasco seemed lethargic in midfield and repeatedly delayed in moving the ball to the front line.
Fellipe Bastos, Reginaldo and Douglas were all guilty of a lack of impetus as the game became slow and scrappy. The first half was particularly dire with neither side creating much in the way of noteworthy chances.
Vasco improved slightly after the interval when Colombian Montoya came on, operating down the right flank. However, the 69th minute penalty aside, they rarely threatened the Resende goal.
Resende were equally weak and did not offer any resistance after falling behind. Some light relief for Vasco fans following the injustice of the Carioca, but serious improvement is needed in the coming weeks.
Next up for the club in the Copa do Brasil is Treze. They kick-off their Campeonato Brasileiro Série ‘B’ campaign this weekend against America-MG.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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