Surprising end in the Rio Grande Do Sul estadual tournament, in which John Deere managed to conquer its third gauchao title in a row by defeating Cortiana/UCS in the final act.

The club from Caxias Do Sul was universally indicated as the most predictable winner of the league, due to the impressive "market campaign" developed before, during and after the Liga Futsal 2007.

Players like the former Lazio Nepi Angelo and Xoxo, Indio (Martorell), the impressive signing of Valdin from Malwee/Jaraguà, the power of the ex Ulbra pivot Maicky, the legendary Serginho on the bench: everything seemed to be more than a guarantee in order to claim the first ever caxiense (with refer to UCS as clubs like the historical Enxuta from Caxias Do Sul won more than a title) title in the Gauchao, but John Deere was able to delete every forecast.

A late goal by Reginho (John Deere's goalie) in the extra time of the return match (won by Cortiana 2-1) gave the title to the Horizontina's club, when Cortiana/UCS was just in need of a draw due to the better performance in the tournament (8 victories on 8 matches in the first stage, two more wins in both semifinal matches against Atlantico, with the only lost match in the first final game in Horizontina).

The only consolation for Cortiana/UCS was given by the individual prizes got by Valdin (best player), Ricardinho (best scorer together with the Ulbra's Indio) and the 39 years old Bagè awarded as the goalkeeper who suffered less goals in the competition. The fair play award went to Atlantico Erechim.




Unfortunately, as reported on the gaucho journalist Luis Henrique Franqui's blog the celebration for the third title was definitely wasted by the John Deere farewell as main sponsor of the club (the original name of the team is Esporte Clube Caipirinha, that changed the name in favour of the prestigious sponsor). The first consequence of this news was the departures of the head coach Paulinho Sananduva, who signed with Joinville, replacing Vander Iacovino. In the past days John Deere announced the arrival of Tales from Atlantico, while Hugo moved to Petropolis and Wender and Valmir could try the spanish adventure.



Final standing
Winner: John Deere (HORIZONTINA)
Runner Up: Cortiana/UCS (Caxias Do Sul)
3rd classified: ACBF (Carlos Barbosa)
4th classified: Atlantico (Erechim)










Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com