RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Argentine striker German Cano scored just his third league goal of the season on Tuesday as Fluminense eased relegation fears with a 1-0 home win over Athletico Paranaense in Brazil's Serie A championship.
The 36-year-old, who had not scored in the top-flight since May, broke the deadlock at the Maracana Stadium by bundling home from close range nine minutes from time.
The result lifted Fluminense to 11th in the 20-team standings with 36 points from 30 games, five points ahead of 18th-placed Athletico Paranaense.
"We know that it was very important to win this match because it allowed us to rise several places in the standings," Cano said.
"I don't know how I can express my gratitude to the club's fans for the way they supported me and the patience they showed when I wasn't scoring. I want to help to give them something to celebrate." ■
