JOHANNESBURG, Dec 8: Veteran strikers Romario and Bebeto scored the goals that gave World Champions Brazil a 2-1 friendly victory over South Africa at Ellis Park yesterday. The two were playing together for the first time since the 1994 World Cup final triumph over Italy.

Romario opened the scoring after 11 minutes, delicately chipping the ball over advancing goalkeeeper Andre Arendse while South Africa appealed to the Botswana referee for offside. Coach Clive Barker claimed the goal was clearly offside, but television replays showed Romario on side when Bebeto turned a Dunga pass into the path of the shaven-haired striker.

Romario turned provider for the second goal after 38 minutes, passing to Bebeto, who reacted quickest in a goal mouth tussle with SA captain Lucas Radebe to slot the ball into the corner.

Rodrigo, making his second appearance in a Brazilian team lacking seven regulars, including Ronaldo, nearly added a third as Arendse blocked the ball with his leg.

Substitute Helman Mkhalele created the South African goal with a run down the left and scored it by tapping the ball over the line 13 minutes before the final whistle after substitute Goncalves failed to clear.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.