Spinelli seizes chance, sparks Vasco selection fight with Copa do Brasil brace | OneFootball

Spinelli seized his chance with a brace as Vasco beat Paysandu 2-0 in the Copa do Brasil fifth phase first leg. The performance has thrust the Argentine into contention for a starting place.

According to Globo.com, he left Belém with a sore shoulder and blood on his shin yet smiling after a gruelling night, having been handed the opportunity by Renato Gaúcho. The tie was played at the Mangueirão.

He opened the scoring with composure, taking a touch in the box then lifting his finish over the goalkeeper.

His second came via a diving header from a Rojas cross. He crashed face first into the turf and landed heavily on his right shoulder, prompting a subdued celebration before he rose to acknowledge the goal.

Renato Gaúcho later praised the striker, noting that centre forwards are judged on goals. The coach, who made two changes from the São Paulo game, reiterated his plan to rotate and said the group is responding, highlighting the Argentine’s battle with Paysandu’s defenders. Spinelli said it hurt a little but he was happy to repay the manager’s trust.

Wearing 77, Spinelli ended a run of five matches without scoring for Vasco. His previous goal was against Fluminense in a 3-2 comeback in the Campeonato Brasileiro, taking him to 4 in 13 games.

Vasco visit Corinthians on Sunday at 16:00, Brasília time, at the Neo Química Arena, in the 13th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. It is premature to say he will start, though he has earned credit with the crowd and his manager after Belém.

Source: Globo.com