FUTEBOL THE BRAZILIAN WAY OF LIFE                               www.ofutebol.com Weekly Newsletter, 09 December 2005

Hi futebolista, Corinthians are the 2005 Brasileiro champions, pending yet another appeal from runners-up Internacional. They spent millions assembling a team of galacticos but the Corinthians investment has paid off in style. Speaking of style, if you haven't got your Christmas presents yet then fear not - there is still time to buy one of our unique Garrincha T-shirts and have it arrive before the 25th. Check out Futebolarte.com. On a dramatic final day of the Brasileiro season, Palmeiras booked their place in the 2006 Libertadores Cup by beating Fluminense 3-2 to finish fourth. Agonizingly for Flu, they were just 10 minutes away from joining Corinthians, Internacional, Goias and Sao Paulo in next year's Libertadores. And despite a win over Internacional, Coritiba were relegated from Serie A along with Atletico-MG, Paysandu and Brasiliense. However, Gremio and Santa Cruz will be back among Brazil's elite after achieving promotion. Tevez and Romario were the chief award winners. The Argentine forward was named the competition's best player while the ageless Romario picked up the top goalscorer award for a third time. These are the final standings; 1 - Corinthians 81 (champions) 2 - Internacional 78 3 - Goias 74 4 - Palmeiras 70 ---------------------- 5 - Fluminense 68 17 - Sao Caetano 52 18 - Ponte Preta 51 ---------------------- 19 - Coritiba 49 (relegated) 20 - Atletico-MG 47 (relegated) 21 - Paysandu 41 (relegated) 22 - Brasiliense 41 (relegated) The FIFA Club World Championship gets underway on Sunday and Sao Paulo are determined to return home as champions. They will face stiff competition from European heavyweights Liverpool but the Reds must find a way to stop flying wingback Cicinho. Argentina tried to nullify his threat in the 2005 Confederations Cup final but they failed miserably - Cicinho had a hand in all of Brazil's goals as they ran out 4-1 winners. This week's transfer gossip has involved Corinthians trying to sign Ricardinho from Santos, and Flamengo chasing both Atletico-MG's teenage starlet Ramon and the man being dubbed the new Roberto Carlos - Figueirense wingback Michel Bastos. From beach soccer on the Copacabana to Corinthians in the Morumbi Stadium. Dan and Doug's blog - Brazil uncovered - is getting better and better. Have a great weekend, amigos. Ate logo... Alex, Ian & Mark (the Ofutebol team) * * * * * * * * Sponsored Links * * * * * * * * The FIFA Club World Championship gets underway on Sunday. William Hill has Liverpool favourites to win the tournament at 1/1, with Sao Paulo at 6/5 and Sydney FC the 33/1 outsiders. Visit the William Hill website * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Forward To a Friend Unsubscribe to our Newsletter Visit: www.ofutebol.com