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- By Pedro FonsecaRIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Ronaldinho showed onSunday he had lost none of his free kick skills when he curledin the only goal as Flamengo beat Boavista in the final of thefirst phase of the Carioca (Rio de Janeiro) Championship.The 30-year-old playmaker, yet to shine for Flamengo sincehis January move from AC Milan, scored with a trademark freekick over the wall from 25 metres that gave the goalkeeper nochance.The 72nd-minute goal came as relief for Flamengo at Engenhaoas they struggled to convert their superiority into goalsagainst surprise finalists Boavista from a small seaside townwho upset Brazilian champions Fluminense in the semi-finals."I dreamt of being able to thank the fans for their supportafter they put their faith in me from the beginning," Ronaldinhotold reporters."Today's I've started paying them back by lifting the firsttrophy," the former FIFA World Player of the Year said afterFlamengo had done a lap of honour.The title doubled as the start of carnival celebrations forthe fun-loving Ronaldinho who has been frequenting practices atRio's samba schools and whose presence is a certainty at theSambodrome nights next month.Flamengo have earned the right to meet the winners of thesecond phase of the Carioca, one of a string of statechampionships that open the Brazilian season, for the title ofchampions.In the Paulista (Sao Paulo) Championship, big guns Palmeirasand Sao Paulo drew 1-1 in their derby played in a downpour atthe Morumbi.At the scheduled kickoff time, the pitch and stands wereflooded and the roads around the ground looked like rivers withfans who had driven to the match stranded.Although Palmeiras coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted thematch should be suspended, the referee decided to postponekickoff by an hour. He also had to halt the match for 15 minutesin the 25th because of a floodlights failure, seconds afterFernandinho had put Sao Paulo ahead.Palmeiras equalised five minutes from time throughsubstitute Adriano to move within a point of leadersCorinthians. (Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Ian Ransom; to query orcomment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com) Please click on the newslink:for South American soccer


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Premier League side Liverpool have been struggling to find their best form this season and winning the domestic league title is almost mathematically impossible for manager Kenny Dalglish and his men. Additionally, they are already eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Liverpool still have a chance of lifting a trophy at the end of the season though as they are still in the Europa League, and defender Martin Skrtel is eager to do just that.

"In the last few weeks we've got some good results and that was really important for us, for the players and the club. We just hope we carry on," Skrtel was quoted as saying on the official UEFA website.

"The Europa League is nice for us and a great chance to win a trophy this season. We all have to give our best for a good result in this competition.

"For me it's a great feeling working with Kenny Dalglish because he's a legend at the club – an icon."

Liverpool host Sparta Prague on Thursday in the last 32 after recording a 0-0 draw in the away leg last week.

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Labels: chance, Europa, Goalcom, Great, league, Liverpool, Martin, Skrtel, Trophy