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Wednesday August 16, 2006

Internacional set to emerge from Gremio’s shadows

RIO DE JANEIRO: Internacional have a golden chance to emerge from the shadows of neighbours Gremio when they face Sao Paulo in the second leg of the Libertadores Cup final today.

Inter have never won South America’s top club competition but a draw at home to the champions at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre will break their duck.

ABSENT: Sao Paulo are likely to be without Ricardo Oliveira for today’s match against Internacional.
It will also help to make up for the two occasions when they had to watch their bitter rivals lift the trophy.

Gremio won for the first time in 1983 and repeated the dose 12 years later under Luiz Felipe Scolari, now coach of Portugal.

Last Wednesday’s 2-1 away win at the Morumbi Stadium in the first leg of the all-Brazilian clash has put Inter firmly in the driving seat and the sell-out crowd is likely to be in festive mood.

Internacional coach Abel Braga will be taking nothing for granted, though.

Braga, who is in his third stint at the club, was in charge when they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Paraguay’s Olimpia in 1989. Inter had won away in the first leg but lost at home in the return.

In 2004, Braga was in charge of Flamengo when they lost the Copa Brasil final to Second Division Santo Andre.

Last year, he suffered an identical fate as coach of Fluminense when they lost the final of the same tournament to Second Division Paulista.

“We’re all aware that nothing has been won yet and we will have to be persistent and just as aggressive,” said Inter striker Fernandao.

Sao Paulo are likely to be without striker Ricardo Oliveira, whose loan spell from Real Betis ended on Aug 10.

The agreement with the Spanish club was made before the dates of the final were put back one week. But Oliveira has refused to go back to Betis and says he is still hopeful of playing.

Sao Paulo, also champions in 1992 and 1993, are attempting to win the trophy for the fourth time.

The away goals rule will not be used. A one-goal win for Sao Paulo will therefore send the tie to extra-time. – Reuters

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