Former international Edilson scored the opening goal in the 65th minute of Brazil's soccer showpiece, played on a midweek afternoon apparently to accomodate a children's Christmas television special.

Marcelinho Carioca, back in the team after a falling-out with coach Vanderley Luxemburgo last month, scored the second in the 83rd minute.

Both goals were set up by halftime substitute Dinei.

It was Luxemburgo's last game in charge as he is leaving to take sole charge of the Brazil national team.

Vanderley Luxemburgo: Giving up his day job

Luxemburgo, who is serving a 60-day touchline ban and watched from the stands, has been juggling the two roles since August.

Corinthians, who first won the title in 1990 and were nearly relegated last year, needed only a draw at home in Sao Paulo after the first two matches had ended in 2-2 and 1-1 draws.

Under Brazilian championship rules, the three-leg knockout ties are decided on points, goal aggregate if points are level and finally first stage record, in which Corinthians had the advantage.

Cruzeiro, who have twice been South American champions but never won the Brazilian title, paid the price for the over-cautious tactics of coach Levir Culpi who began with a defensive formation.

Veteran striker Muller and 19-year-old Fabio Junior never got the service they needed to overcome a Corinthians defence superbly organised by Paraguay World Cup defender Carlos Gamarra.

Despite pre-match bickering over the referee, which had seen both clubs pressuring backstage to have the official of their choice nominated, it was a good-natured contest with only three bookings.

The first half saw only one decent chance at each end before Corinthians took control after the break.

Dinei set up the first goal by threading the ball through to Edilson who rounded goalkeeper Dida to score his 16th goal of the competition.