体坛英语新闻：Vasco da Gama becomes brunt of jokes as "vice-championship"

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Vasco da Gama was made fun of by fans and critics after finishing the 2011 Brazilian Championship in second place on Sunday.

Vasco da Gama had hopes of winning this year's national championship in the 38th and final round of play. However, Corinthians' scoreless draw foiled any plans of Vasco da Gama's dreams of winning its second title this year after having previously won the 2011 Brazilian Cup.

Finishing in the second place, Vasco da Gama records it third time as a runner-up. Apart from its position in 2011, the team finished in second place during the 1979 and 1984 Brazilian Championship.

Phrases making fun of Vasco da Gama include "Eternal Vice-Championship" "Champion of Runner-up" and "Not Good Enough".

Corinthians finished in first place with 71 points, followed by Vasco da Gama with 69 points, third place Fluminense with 63 points and fourth place Flamengo with 61 points. All four teams qualified to play in the 2012 Libertadores Cup.