Underdog eliminates Gremio from Brazil Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Regarded as the most traditional football club in southern Brazil, Gremio was defeated 4-3 by team Atletico Goianiense at home on Wednesday evening, which ensured its elimination from Brazil Cup before the eight-final round.

Midfielder Roger scored for the hosts, converting a penalty kick in the fourth minute. However, goalkeeper Marcio shot a free kick and tied the game for the visitors in the 20th minute.

Midfielder William Magrao got a rebound from a free kick shot by his team and recovered the lead for Gremio, in the 61st minute.

Atletico had beaten Gremio 2-1 in its headquarters in Goiania, midwestern Brazil, on April 2. And Gremio obtained the same score (2-1) in the rematch on Wednesday, played at Olimpico Monumental Stadium, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state.

As both teams had equal numbers of goals as visitors (one) and as hosts (two), the match had to be decided in the penalty shootouts. Brazil Cup is comprised of knockout rounds, which means that one of the two teams has be eliminated so that the other moves on to the next round.

Gremio, holder of four Brazil Cup titles (1989, 1994, 1997 and 2001), two Brazilian League titles (1981 and 1996) and two Libertadores Cup titles (1983 and 1995), will have to wait for thebeginning of the Brazilian League in May to dispute another nationwide competition this year.