World Football

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Palmeiras closed the gap on Brazilian championship leaders Gremio with a 1-0 win at Cruzeiro on Sunday.

Forward Diego Souza scored the winner three minutes before halftime when he beat the offside trap and controlled a cross on his chest before volleying home.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team, who have 46 points from 25 games, moved within three of Gremio, who went down to a shock 2-1 home loss to mid-table Goias on Saturday.

Champions Sao Paulo also moved within striking distance of the leaders by beating Flamengo 2-0.

Dagoberto tapped in from close range after a mix-up in the Flamengo defence just before halftime and Hugo outjumped two static defenders to head the second on the hour to leave Sao Paulo fifth, four points behind Palmeiras.

Vasco da Gama had two players sent off and striker Leandro Amaral ended up in goal as they lost 3-1 at home to Nautico and dropped into the relegation zone.

Vasco's troubles began when defender Jorge Luis was sent off five minutes before halftime with the score at 1-1 for hauling down Nautico striker Felipe.

Ruy tapped in to put Nautico 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute and Vasco had Roberto sent off for handball two minutes later.

With Vasco having made their three permitted substitutions, Amaral, who had earlier scored, took over in goal. Felipe added Nautico's third in stoppage-time.