RONALDO scored his sixth goal in two weeks to help Corinthians beat 10-man Cruzeiro 2-1 and move near the top of the standings in the Brazilian league Sunday.
The three-time 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.
(SD-Agencies)