Corinthians beats Santos 1-0

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -Brazilian striker Ronaldo played 81 minutes and came close to scoring a few times, but it was Dentinho who led Corinthians to a 1-0 victory over Santos in the 15th round of the Sao Paulo state championship on Sunday.

Forward Dentinho scored in the 15th minute, heading home a well-placed pass from midfielder Douglas.

It was an evenly matched, hard fought game in which both teams created several scoring opportunities, launched dangerous counterattacks and succeeded in keeping each other at bay with a tight defense.

The crowd of about 30,000 that packed Sao Paulo's Pacaembu stadium cheered and applauded each time Ronaldo outwitted his opponents to create some clearcut scoring opportunities, all of which went astray or were thwarted by excellent saves by Santos goalkeeper Fabio Costa.

It was Ronaldo's fourth game for Corinthians, having signed a one-year contract late last year.

Also on Sunday, Sao Paulo and Paulista drew 1-1.

Corinthians remains in second place in the standings with 33 points - four points behind Palmeiras, which drew 1-1 with Guaratingueta on Saturday.

Also Saturday, it was: Barueri 5, Ponte Preta 2; Guarani 2, Mogi Mirim 1; Mirassol 4, Sao Caetano 2; Marilia 2, Oeste 2; Noroeste 0, Bragantino o; and Botafogo 2, Santo Andre 2.

In Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, it was: Volta Redonda 3 Resende 0; and Botafogo 4, Duque de Caxias 0.

On Saturday, it was: Madureira 2 Mesquita 1; Macae 1, Americano 1; Friburguense 2 Cabofriense 1; Fluminense 3 Bangu 1; and Tigres 5 Boavista 0.