Ronaldo had a penalty saved then scored the winner in Corinthians' 2-1
away victory over Cruzeiro in the Brazilian championship on Sunday.
The three times FIFA Player of the Year set up Jorge Henrique for the
first in the 23rd minute and could have increased the lead five minutes
later with the penalty after defender Leonardo Silva stopped a shot on
the line with his hand and was sent off.
Ronaldo, however, checked his slow run-up and made a weak penalty shot,
allowing goalkeeper Fabio to make an easy save.
"I kicked badly, I didn't want to score against Cruzeiro, but later I
changed my mind and ended up scoring," said the 32-year-old Rolando, who
began his professional career with the team from Minas Gerais state 15
years ago.
Ronaldo, who was feted by the club before kickoff, scored the winner in
the 77th minute for his 17th goal in 25 matches.
Having left for PSV Eindhoven as a teenager before joining Barcelona,
Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan, Ronaldo had never before played
against Cruzeiro.
LIBERTADORES WAKE
Cruzeiro, who lost to Argentina's Estudiantes in the Libertadores Cup
final on Wednesday, pulled a goal back five minutes from time with a
penalty by Kleber after he was brought down by Corinthians captain
Chicao.
"Today's result is a consequence of Wednesday's match... Everyone's
depressed," said Kleber, whose team are 18th in the championship
standings.
Corinthians are sixth with 20 points from 12 matches, five points behind
leaders Atletico Mineiro, Cruzeiro's city rivals, and Palmeiras.
Atletico were held 0-0 at fourth-placed Vitoria while Palmeiras beat
Santo Andre 1-0 for their fourth successive win under caretaker coach
Jorginho.
Gremio beat bitter city rivals Internacional 2-1 in the Porto Alegre
derby which marked a century as one of the major "clasicos" of the
Brazilian game.
Argentine former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez scored the winner after
Brazil striker Nilmar had put Inter ahead and midfielder Souza had
equalised.
Title holders Sao Paulo climbed to 12th with their third win, 2-1 at
home to Santos who will unveil Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their new coach
on Monday.
(Writing by Rex Gowar in Buenos Aires, editing by Greg Stutchbury; to
query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com) |