Vasco keep alive Libertadores qualifying hopes

Rio de Janeiro Nov 27 (IANS) Vasco da Gama s hopes of securing a berth in next year s Copa Libertadores were boosted by a 1-0 away victory over Cruzeiro in Brazil s Serie A championship.

Defender Paulao on Sunday struck the winner in the first half when he headed in after a Nene corner kick reports Xinhua news agency.

The result at the Mineirao stadium left Vasco seventh in the 20-team standings behind sixth-placed Flamengo on goal difference with one round remaining.

The top six teams at the end of the season will earn a berth in next year s Copa Libertadores South America s top club competition.

In other matches on Sunday Avai won 1-0 at home to Atletico Paranaense Atletico Mineiro drew 2-2 at Corinthians Sao Paulo won 2-1 at Coritiba Gremio were held to a 1-1 home draw by Atletico Goianiense Vitoria won 3-2 at Ponte Preta and Chapecoense won 1-0 at Bahia.

--IANS
gau/vm