Miracle of Almeidão: João Pessoa Espectros win Brazil Bowl VI In Thriller

In a thrilling National Superliga final, João Pessoa Espectros worked a miracle in Brazil Bowl VI to overcome arch rivals the Coritiba Crocodiles winning by and extra point on the very last play with time already expired by the score of 23-22 Sunday afternoon at Almeidão Stadium in the capital city of Paraíba.

After coming home empty handed in the last three seasons – losing to Cuiabá Arsenal in the 2012 semifinal and two runner-ups in 2013 and 2014 – the Espectros finally broke the taboo and captured the first title for a team from the Northeast in history.

In the first quarter, the Crocodiles opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run by running back Lucas Mullet (#21), after nine minutes of play. Kicker Adan “Ocho Nueve” Rodriguez added the PAT.

The Espectros tied the game in the second quarter with quarterback  Rodrigo Dantas (#4) connecting with wide receiver Ednaldo “Massu” (#2). Kicker Diego Aranha hit the extra point evening the score at 7-7.  Before the halftime, kicker Diego Aranha put Espectros in the lead, 10-7, with a field goal.

Crocodiles defensive back Henrique Rocha (#11) intercepted a pass from Dantas and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. Adan added the extra point.

The turning point for the Espectros arrived halfway through the last period with a pass from Dantas to receiver Vitor Ramalho (#11).

The final minute: the Miracle of Almeidão

With the ball in hand, Crocodiles quarterback Toddy (#1) drove the Paraná team to the opposing red zone with just over a minute left in the game.Running back Bruno Santucci (#23) found a space punched the ball across  the goal line to mark the touchdown the turn of the Crocodiles. The fullback #30 scored the two point conversion to extend the lead 22-14.

But in the kickoff veered out of bounds and the illegal procedure kick gave the Paraíba squad the ball on the Crocodiles 40 yard line.

“The Miracle” came with seconds left the Crocodiles defense committed a face mask penalty putting the ball at the 17 yard line. Then Dantas found receiver Diego Nascimento (#80) in the end zone for the tying touchdown.

The Esprectros kicker Aranha sealed the victory a successful point after and João Pessoa Espectros took home their first championship title beating the Crocodiles 23-22.

Watch the full game here!