体坛英语新闻：Corinthians crushes Figueirense 2-0

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Host to Figueirense in the 18th round of the 2011 Brazilian Championship, Corinthians lost its second match of tournament 2-0 on Saturday.

Figueirense caught the Corinthians defense off guard and scored in the 35th minute. Julio Cesar dribbled the ball to the lower left side of the field and crossed the ball to a wide-open Nem who effortlessly tapped the ball into the Corinthians goal.

The visiting team added to its lead in the last minutes of play. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time Julio Cesar drove down the field on a fast-break. Weaving through the defense the striker fired a ball that ricocheted off the goalpost and back into play. Wilson Pittoni was in perfect position to catch the rebound and quickly shoot it past a helpless Corinthians keeper, Julio Cesar.

Despite the loss, Corinthians is guaranteed to hold onto first place with 37 points regardless of the remaining results of the 18th round. In the 19th round of play the team face cross-town rival Palmeiras on August 28.

Figueirense's impressive win improves the team to eighth place with 26 points. The team's definitive standing is subject to change depending on the remainder of play in the 18th round on Sunday. In the next round of play the team will face rival Avai on August 28.