Flamengo rise to third in Brazil s Serie A

Rio de Janeiro July 3 (IANS) Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Diego scored his fourth goal in eight matches as Flamengo defeated Sao Paulo 2-0 in Brazil s Serie A football championship.

Peru international striker Paolo Guerrero was also on the scoresheet at the Luso Brasileiro Stadium on Sunday as Flamengo moved up to third spot in the 20-team standings reports Xinhua news agency.

In Sao Paulo former Manchester City and Brazil striker Jo struck in the 79th minute to hand Corinthians a 1-0 victory over Botafogo.

It was Corinthians ninth win in 11 matches as they extended their lead at the top of the standings to seven points.

In Belo Horizonte former Brazil striker Fred scored two second-half goals to fire Atletico Mineiro to a 3-1 victory over local rivals Cruzeiro.

Ecuadorian midfielder Juan Cazares was also on target for the hosts while Thiago Neves netted for Cruzeiro.

--IANS
ajb/mr