Roberto Carlos scored with what is known in South America as an Olympic goal to help Corinthians beat Portuguesa 2-0 on the opening weekend of the Paulista (Sao Paulo state) championship.
The 37-year-old took advantage of a distraction by rival goalkeeper Weverton, who was organising his defence, to curl the ball in off the far post from the corner flag in the 20th minute.
"That was the first Olympic goal of my career. It took a long time coming, right," a grinning Roberto Carlos told reporters as he was kissed on his bald head by former Brazil team mate Ronaldo.
Striker Ronaldo, who struggled with injuries last year and played less than half Corinthians' matches, is now captain and played until the final minutes in an encouraging performance for the new season.
South American champions Internacional's reserves lost 1-0 to modest Cruzeiro de Porto Alegre in the Gaucho championship as they prepare their first team to defend the Libertadores Cup starting next month.
In the Carioca, which starts next weekend, all eyes will be on Flamengo's Ronaldinho after his recent move from AC Milan although the club said he would not be match fit for another 10 days.
