Sport

Corinthian spirit fails to inspire

Corinthians became the inaugural World Club Champions in Rio de Janeiro last night, beating Vasco da Gama in a penalty shoot-…

Sat Jan 15 2000 - 00:00

Corinthians became the inaugural World Club Champions in Rio de Janeiro last night, beating Vasco da Gama in a penalty shoot-out. But neither of these Brazilian giants was able to turn on the style in front of a packed Maracana.

Neither goalkeeper had a serious shot to save in 90 minutes of disappointing action, littered with petty fouls.

Despite the talented strike forces on show, there were few quality crosses, while the standard of shooting was not in keeping with that displayed by these teams during the earlier stages of the tournament.

Corinthians were well organised in defence, denying the hosts the chance to play in front of their home crowd.

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And the Sao Paulo-based visitors had the best two chances of the game, during normal time.

Six minutes into the second half Edilson fired a right-footed shot just wide of Helton's far post.

And a couple of minutes from the end of normal time Marcelinho blasted a longrange effort just wide.

Vasco da Gama's first real chance of note came 14 minutes into extra-time, when Odavan's 25-yard free-kick tested goalkeeper Dida.

In the shoot-out, Marcelinho, taking the fifth penalty, missed for Corinthians - his effort was saved by Helton - after Freddy Rincon, Fernando Baiano, Luizao and Edu had converted their kicks.

Although Romario, Alex Oliveira and Viola hit the target for Vasco, Gilberto had seen his third effort saved, before Edmundo, who needed to convert to take the penalties into sudden death, shot wide.

Earlier, Necaxa won the play-off for third place, beating Spanish giants Real Madrid 43 in a penalty shoot-out.

CORINTHIANS: Dida, Indio, Adilson, Vampeta (Gilmar 90), Kleber, Marcelinho, Rincon, Luizao, Edilson (Baiano 112), Ricardinho, Luciano. Subs Not Used: Mauricio, Yamada, Carlos, Costa, Dinei, Augusto, Edu, Senna, Mario. Booked: Rincon, Adilson, Indio, Luizao.

VASCO DE GAMA: Helton, Odvan, Galvao, Amaral, Felipe (Oliveira 101), Juninho (Viola 95), Ramon (Donizete 110), Edmundo, Romario, Gilberto, Miranda. Subs Not Used: Germano, Marcio, Jorginho, Torres, Pedrinho, Junior Baiano, Valber, Nasa, Alex. Booked: Felipe, Amaral, Miranda, Edmundo. Attendance: 75,000.

Referee: D Jol (Holland).