体坛英语新闻：Corinthians win season opener 2-0 over Portuguesa

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At home against Portuguesa in the opening match of the 2011 Sao Paulo state championship, Corinthians won 2-0 on Sunday.

The match marked Ronaldo's first game as the team's captain and broke Corinthians' eight-year winless streak against Portuguesa at home.

Corinthians first goal came in the 11th minute. Bruno Cesar dropped the ball off to Paulinho who one-timed the ball into right side of the Portuguesa goal.

Roberto Carlos scored the team's second goal in the 19th minute. Off a corner kick, the midfielder pelted the ball with the inner- side of his foot, giving it a wicked curve that sailed the ball into the goal on a line-drive.

In his first time as Corinthians team captain, Ronaldo played for 75 minutes. Although not in his ideal physical condition, the athlete said that he loves to play and prefers playing rather than practicing.

The win gives Corinthians three points and a great start to the new season. Although intent on winning the state championship, the team's major focus is on the upcoming 2011 Libertadores Cup.

The team will make its debut in the continental tournament on January 26 at home against Colombia's Tolima.