Beyond The Pitch show

Summary: Anto is joined once again with TV Globo commentator Bira Brasil to look back at the groundbreaking win for Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores, the first for one of the truly massive clubs in South America, as well as a summer which has also been a sign for the Brasiliero that clubs are bringing more stars back to Brazil. But the story begins with Corinthians and its coach, Tite, who has delivered the Sao Paulo club to its first continental title and has unseated Santos as the dominant force in Brazil on the heels of its Campeonato Brasileiro title in 2011. We also examine a very interesting transfer campaign in Brazil with some key arrivals in Seedorf, Forlan and Paolo Guerrero who now reflect an emerging presence because of the qualities each of these players still have at this stage of their careers. We also examine the Ganso situation at Santos which has gone completely south and looks beyond repair this time - but more importantly, what went wrong for Ganso and what he needs to do next to get back on track. Then we turn our attention to a pair of Corinthians defenders in Dodo and Leandro Castan who have made the move to AS Roma and what they will provide Zeman in the Italian Serie A. We also gauge the moves that have not happened just yet and the bids that have been rejected - including the likes of Romarinho and Paulinho who are attempting to find value for two young starlets. That leads us into another discussion into the wild world of Ronaldinho since his return to Brazil, including the most expensive soft drink can in history and how the legend made the move from Flamengo to Atletico Mineiro on a reduced wage deal and whether Belo Horizonte might present another set of problems given the nightlife and if he can find new motivation at the club. Then we turn to the matter of the Summer Olympics for the Brazil team and examine some of the recent Romario comments to consider to whom his negative comments were directed. Brazil seems obsessed with finally winning the Gold Medal that has eluded them on the world stage, but Bira is not so sure that this is an accurate reflection of the mentality required to win the World Cup in 2014, as the competition is more of a youth tournament than a simulation. Even more here on Dede and Lucas Moura and why the potential move of Ganso to Internacional might be the sign that Oscar is on his way to Europe after the Olympics.