体坛英语新闻：Boavista eliminate Fluminense from state finals

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- In the semifinals of the first half of the Rio de Janeiro state championship, Boavista stunned Fluminense on Saturday by winning in penalty kicks after drawing 2-2.

Fluminense took an early lead in the 8th minute when Marquinho calmly sailed a stopped ball foul over the defense wall of Boavista players, landing the ball into the upper left corner of the net.

Boavista tied the match in the 11th minute. Off a dead ball, Tony delivered a perfect shot, blowing it past keeper Ricardo Berna and into the Fluminense goal.

Fluminense regained the lead in the 37th minute. Dario Conca sent a stopped ball towards the goal from the lower left side of the field. Rafael Moura redirected the ball, finding Fred who slammed in a header.

However, Boavista scored the equalizer in the 54th minute when Paulo Rodrigues centered a perfect pass to Andre Luis who pounded the ball into the back of the net with authority.

The score was tied 2-2 in regulation, leading to penalty kicks to determine the semifinals winner.

During the penalty kicks, Boavista keeper Thiago defended shots from Conca and Rodriguinho while Boavista's Paulo Rodrigues, Tony, Frontini and Edu Pina converted each of their kicks, resulting in the upset victory.

The win puts Boavista against the winner of Sunday's semifinals match between Flamengo and Botafogo. The finals of the first round of the state championship will take place on February 27.

Fluminense will now focus on the Libertadores Cup where they will face Uruguay's Nacional on February 23.