Football News : Brazil: Vasco go clear after Diego hat-trick

Diego Souza's hat-trick earned Vasco da Gama a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro to take
them two points clear at the top of the Campeonato table.

The midfielder opened his account seven minutes before the interval, adding a
second in the 60th minute. And he rounded off the scoring 10 minutes from time to keep Vasco ahead of
their rivals.

Corinthians lie second following a 1-0 win at home to Bahia. Emerson scored the
only goal after 58 minutes but his performance ended on a sour note when he was
sent off six minutes from time.

Botafogo and Sao Paulo played out a 2-2 draw to slip below Corinthians in the
standings. Rivaldo's last-minute strike capped an impressive comeback for Sao Paulo, who
came from two goals down to claim a point.

Sebastian Abreu's goals after 13 and 39 minutes, the second from the penalty
spot, gave Botafogo the edge, but Henrique pulled one back for the visitors
before Rivaldo's late strike.

Goals from Mario Bolatti and Fabricio sealed a 2-1 win for
Internacional at home to Atletico Mineiro.

Renan Oliveira scored for the visitors while both teams had a player sent
off, with Rodrigo Moledo red-carded for the hosts and Humberto Rever dismissed
for Atletico.

Gremio were also 2-1 winners at Avai, thanks to goals from Mario Fernandes
and Douglas. Pedro Ken replied after 69 minutes for the home side.

Ceara edged out Coritiba 3-2 with Roger scoring the decisive goal in the 69th
minute. Roger also scored the home side's opener after seven minutes with Jose
Edmilson then adding his name to the tally. Rosimar Amancio twice levelled for Coritiba after 19 and 48 minutes but in
vain.

Atletico Goianiense overcame the dismissals of Anderson and Vitor Junior to
secure a 1-1 draw at home to Palmeiras. The home side trailed to Henrique's 24th-minute strike, but Thiago Feltri
equalised 10 minutes from time.