Lodeiro, Seedorf secure Botafogo victory

Rio de Janeiro, April 15 (IANS): Uruguay international midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro scored twice as Botafogo won their eighth consecutive match with a 4-1 victory over Nova Iguacu in Brazil’s Campeonato Carioca.

Former AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf opened the scoring for Botafogo with a 19th minute header before Lodeiro gave his team a 3-0 lead by netting twice in 12 minutes early in the second half Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Dieguinho reduced the deficit for Nova Iguacu four minutes from time before 19-year-old striker Vitinho made it 4-1 with an 89th-minute finish.

Lodeiro now has seven goals in 2013 and Seedorf six.

“It was a great team effort,” Seedorf said after the match. “It’s a long year with a lot of matches so it’s important we maintain this level.”

Botafogo are now assured a berth in the semifinals of the Rio Cup, the second phase of the Campeonato Carioca.

Meanwhile Flamengo defeated rivals Fluminense in Sunday’s only other match.