Romario held in check, stuck on 998 career goals

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Former Brazil striker Romario failed to add to his career tally of 998 goals as Vasco da Gama were held 2-2 at second division Gama in a Copa Brasil tie on Wednesday.

Romario, 41, came on as a second-half substitute and hit the crossbar in the move which led to Vasco's first goal in the second round, first-leg match.

"I didn't have any luck today, I'll try again on Sunday," Romario, who openly admits that his total includes goals scored in youth and testimonial games as well as club friendlies, told reporters.

His next attempt to emulate Pele and reach the 1,000-goal milestone will be against arch-rivals Flamengo at the Maracana stadium, his favourite stage, on Sunday.

Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner was given a rousing reception when he came on in the 57th minute with his team 1-0 down.

Despite having Ciro sent off for a professional foul after half an hour, Gama went ahead through Valdeir early in the second half.

They increased their lead with a Neto Potiguar header three minutes after Romario entered the fray.

Vasco reduced the deficit when Romario, who barely touched the ball otherwise, deflected a shot onto the crossbar and Fabio Braz scored from the rebound before Abedi snatched a last-minute equaliser.

Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.