Náutico fights, but suffers from absences and loses to Ferroviária in Série C (Photo: Thiago Toledo/Ferroviária SAF) Timbu’s mission – and that of coach Mazola Júnior – was not at all easy. With the absence of five starters, Náutico was defeated by Ferroviária 2-1, this Sunday (12), at Fonte Luminosa, in the fourth round of Series C of the Brazilian Championship. The goals were scored by Juninho and Pedro Paulo for Locomotiva, and Thalissinho scored for Timbu. The result highlights the need for Alvirrubro to have a more homogeneous squad, which can be resolved with reinforcements. With the result, Náutico remains with four points, in 10th place, outside the classification group for the next phase. Timbu’s next challenge will be against Volta Redonda, on Saturday (18), at 5pm, at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium. Ferroviária rose to third place, with eight points. The positive result extended their streak to 16 games without losing at home. On the same day, Locomotiva faces Confiança, at 7:30 pm, again at Fonte Luminosa.
THE GAME
Náutico suffered from a series of absences, including goalkeeper Vagner, defenders Joécio and Rafael Vaz and attackers Paulo Sérgio and Cléo Silva. This meant that Bruno Mezenga and Marco Antônio – recently signed -, Jeferson Romário, Guilherme Matos and Thiago Lopes gained a chance as starters.
Before the ball rolled, Náutico paid tribute to the people and clubs from Rio Grande do Sul who have been suffering from the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Each player entered wearing a white shirt, with the shield of a club from Rio Grande do Sul printed in the middle. It is worth remembering that on Saturday (11), athletes from the Timbu base also promoted action in solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Sul.
With an aggressive stance, Ferroviária controlled the main actions of the first half. Then, after two minutes, after Lucas Rodrigues’ cross from the right, center forward Carlão headed the ball that exploded over the crossbar. Náutico, in turn, had difficulty reaching the offensive sector.
Both teams were betting on a game of making direct connections, but without effectiveness. Until, in the 28th minute, in an individual play, Juninho dribbled the marker and finished from outside the area, with no chance for goalkeeper Jefferson Romário. Despite the opening score, the tone of the match remained the same – Locomotiva taking the lead at home – while Timbu tried to exploit speed on the counterattack.
In the second half, Ferroviária started to control possession of the ball in the offensive field. Furthermore, the São Paulo team bet on shots from outside the area. Looking to extend the score, center forward Carlão missed two good opportunities, being stopped by goalkeeper Jefferson Romário on both occasions.
In search of equality on the scoreboard, coach Mazola Júnior promoted changes to the offensive system. With that, Timbu started pushing Locomotiva into the defensive field. In a disorganized way, Alvirrubro launched itself into the attacking field and managed to pile up a sequence of corners. But, without turning “suffer” into a dangerous move. Meanwhile, Ferroviária seeks to pace the game and manage the result.
As the match was approaching the end, in the 49th minute, after a quick counterattack, Andrey arrived at the baseline and crossed for Thalissinho, free of marking, to head into the back of the net. Anyone who thought the score was set is mistaken. In a kind of immediate response, in the 52nd minute, after a corner kick by Igor Fernandes, Ricardinho headed the ball and Pedro Paulo appeared to complete the ball into the back of the net, giving the final result to the duel.
MATCH SHEET:
RAILWAY 2
Saulo, Lucas Rodrigues (Everton), Gustavo Medina, Jackson, Igor Fernandes, Ricardinho, Zé Mateus (Fernando Boldrin), Xavier, Juninho (Cauã Aguiar), Carlão (Pedro Paulo) and Vitor Barreto (Victor Andrade). Technician: Vinicius Bergantin.
NAUTICAL 1
Jefferson Paulino; Arnaldo (Leandro Kauã), Marco Carvalho, Guilherme Matos and Diego Matos; Sousa, Marco Antônio (Patrick Allan), Wendell Lessa (Andrey); Gustavo Maia (Thalissinho), Thiago Lopes (Leandro Barcia) and Bruno Mezenga. Technician: Mazola Junior.
Local: Fonte Luminosa Stadium, in Araraquara-SP
Time: 16h30
Referee: Paulo Henrique Salmazio (MS)
Assistants: Leandro dos Santos Ruberdo (MS) and Diego dos Santos Ruberdo (both from MS).
Yellow cards: Bruno Mezenga, Arnaldo, Andrey, Guilherme Matos (N); Lucas Rodrigues (F)
Goals: Juninho, at 28/2T and Pedro Paulo, at 52/2T (F); Thalissinho 49/2T (N)