Fluminense fans celebrate win over Boca

Soccer fans across Brazil were glued to the television screens on Wednesday night as Fluminense traveled to face Argentinean soccer powerhouse Boca Juniors. To the delight of not only fans of Fluminense, but the Brazilian community in large, the team from Rio de Janeiro beat the archrival Argentineans 2-1. Fluminense's improbable victory put an end to Boca Junior's 36-game undefeated streak at home in the La Bombonera stadium that lasted nearly one year. The last time that Boca Juniors lost at home was on April 11, 2011 (2-1 against Lanus). Fluminense also enters the exclusive list of Brazilian teams that have been able to beat Boca Juniors at home during the Libertadores Cup. The only other two Brazilian teams to have beaten Boca Juniors at the La Bomboera stadium are Santos and Paysandu. Fred and Deco were exalted for their performance in the game. Deco served a perfect assist to Fred off a free kick in the 9th minute. Freeing himself from the Boca Juniors defense, Fred darted underneath the ball and headed it perfectly under the diving arms of keeper Orion. Boca Juniors tied the match in the opening minute of the second half when veteran and team captain Riquelme's free kick slammed off the goalpost and back to teammate Somoza who quickly drove the ball into the Fluminense goal. Deco gave his team the lead again in the 54th minute. After receiving the ball from Wellington Nem, the wide-open midfielder set up his shot and expertly placed it into the far left side of the goal and past an unexpecting Orion. Boca Juniors desperately attempted to find the equalizer, but Fluminense's defense was alert and even lucky. On multiple opportunities the Argentineans had the ball within feet of the goal, driving Brazilian soccer fans crazy. However, miscommunication and perhaps nerves prevented the Boca Juniors from scoring. "You've gotta love Deco and Fred. Both are big-name players that returned from abroad to play in Brazil. Even if these guys don't achieve anything else while with Fluminense, they will both be remembered for tonight's performance in the historic win against Boca," described passionate Fluminense fan Wesley Cardoso. With its debut win in the tournament against Arsenal Sarandi, Fluminense accumulated its 6th point and leads Group D. Arsenal Sarandi stands in second place of with 3 points, followed by Boca Juniors with 1 point and last place Zamora, also with 1 point. In the next round of the group phase, Fluminense will host Zamora on March 14. Then, the team will travel to face Zamora on March 29, host Boca Juniors on April 11 and conclude the first phase on April 18 on the road against Arsenal Sarandi. In order to advance into the round of sixteen, the team will need to place among the first two in its group.