Campeonato Pernambucano Begins Today Vs. Vitória

Sport begins its defense of the Pernambuco championship this afternoon against Acadêmica Vitória in the Ilha do Retiro. Vitória was in the Série A2 last year, after a one-year stint in the top division in 2006. Sport will field a team of players from last year's Brasileirão -- none of the new signings will play, and unlike in Europe, they won't be paraded in front of the fans. In fact, there is a good chance that Paulo Baier won't even be in the stadium, but that's no matter. Ciro, Kássio, Moacir, and the rest of the young players will be more than enough to see off Vitória, and Durval, Dutra, and a few other experienced players will be on the field with them.

However bad Vitória most likely will be, this won't be an easy game. Vitória has had a long time to train with the same players, and they will play a very defensive style. If the last few years are a guide, Sport will dominate possession and struggle to create chances, and win 1-0 or 2-0 by scoring ugly goals.