Former Brazil striker Romario finally scored what he said was the 1,000th goal of his career by converting a penalty in Vasco da Gama's 3-1 over Sport Recife in the Campeonato Brasileiro on Sunday.

Celebrations and interviews held up the match for 16 minutes after the 41-year-old Brazilian great sent Sport goalkeeper Magrao he wrong way,

Romario's tally includes goals scored in youth team, friendly and testimonial games, but doubts about his milestone failed to dampen the celebrations.

Romario was playing his first game in nearly six weeks. He failed to score in three matches, leaving him stuck on 999 at the conclusion of Vasco's campaign in the Rio state league and Copa Brasil. The sideshow surrounding Romario's bid for 1,000 goals touched off all kinds of controversy within the team, and Coach Renato Portaluppi was fired.