The victory put Vasco on top of the Taca Rio Group A in the Campeonato Carioca as Leandro Amaral and Abedi joined Romario on the scoresheet.

The 41-year-old 1994 FIFA World Player of the Year took his personal goal tally to 999 with a 78th minute strike and could have joined fellow Brazil legend Pele as the only other player to reach the magical figure, but was denied by Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno five minutes later.

Romario will get his chance to join the elite list on Wednesday against Americano at the 98,000 seater Estadio do Maracana.

"As I always say, I would like the place where I score that goal to be the Maracana," said the 1994 World Cup winner.

"I've already talked to president (Eurico Miranda) to see if he can talk to the Federation to carry that game to Maracana."

Flamengo custodian Bruno expressed his relief after denying Romario's 83rd minute effort.

"It's a relief for me. I did not want Romario to score that goal against me."

Pele is the only player known to have surpassed the 1,000-goal mark. He scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, according to FIFA's website.

Volta Redonda missed out on the chance to join Vasco at the top of Group A as they suffered a 3-1 home defeat by Cabofriense, while Botafogo lost 2-1 at America in Group B.

Marcos Aurelio and Rodrigo Tiui scored as Santos recorded a 2-1 win over Rio Claro in the Sao Paulo state championship to move four points clear of Sao Paulo, who lost 1-0 at Sao Caetano.

Juventude ended a four game winless streak in the Campeonato Gaucho with a 2-1 win over Gloria.

Alex Alves and Ricardo scored as Juventude leaped to the top of Group 1, three points clear of Ulbra.

Cruzeiro edged Democrata 3-2 to top the Campeonato Mineiro with 19 points.