Romario scores 999th career goal in Vasco victory

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- The celebration prepared for Romario's coveted 1,000th career goal will remain on hold.

The veteran striker scored a goal in Vasco's 3-0 win over rival Flamengo, but still was one short of the milestone at Maracana stadium on Sunday.

Romario, who has 999 goals according to his count, was hoping to reach the mark at Maracana, the same place where Pele reached his thousand in 1969.

"I had hoped the stage for the goal would be here at Maracana," Romario said. "But if it comes at another place it will be valid too. What will matter the most is the goal, not where it happens."

Romario's next chance for the milestone will be Wednesday against Americano at Vasco's Sao Januario stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The 41-year-old Romario says he will be only the second player to achieve the mark, along with Pele.

The hype surrounding the goal attracted nearly 45,000 to Maracana, but Romario failed to live up to expectations.

He had a discreet performance in the first half, having only one shot on goal -- a free kick from the top of the area blasted over the crossbar. Romario improved slightly in the second half, however, and had more chances to score.

He scored his 999th goal in the 68th minute, firing from inside the area. He had a clear chance for the 1,000th with three minutes remaining, but Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno saved his close-range shot.

Striker Leandro Amaral put Vasco ahead with a one-timer from close range in the 42nd minute, and midfielder Abedi added to the lead in the 48th.

Romario's mark is not recognized by FIFA, which says it only counts goals scored in official competitions.

Pele, who according to FIFA accumulated 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, scored his 1,000th goal as a 29-year-old, still in his prime.

In other matches Sunday in the Rio de Janeiro championship, defending champion Botafogo lost 2-1 to America at Edson Passos, while on Saturday Fluminense fell 1-0 at Madureira, losing its second in a row in the state championship.

In the Sao Paulo state championship, defending champion Santos beat Rio Claro 2-1 behind a late winner by striker Rodrigo Tiui at Palestra Italia stadium, opening a four-point lead in the 20-team standings.

Second-place Sao Paulo lost 1-0 to third-place Sao Caetano do Sul at Anacleto Campanella stadium in Sao Caetano do Sul. Midfielder Caninde scored a first-half winner for Sao Caetano.

On Saturday, four-time Brazilian champion Palmeiras remained fourth in the standings with a 3-2 win over Marilia at Palestra Italia stadium in Sao Paulo. World Cup veteran striker Edmundo scored one goal and set up the other two for Palmeiras, which has won five of its last six in the state championship.

Corinthians was held to a 0-0 draw against Barueri on Sunday at Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo, dropping to eighth in the standings. Only the top four clubs will advance to the semifinal round.

Sao Bento fell 6-1 to Guaratingueta at home, the team's second defeat by that score this season.

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