Vasco da Gama's veteran Brazilian striker Romario waves to fans before the Brazil Cup soccer match against Gama at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro April 4, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

    RIO DE JANEIRO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Striker Romario will have another shot to hit the 1,000th goal mark on Wednesday evening, after critics blamed his team Vasco's latest defeats on his pursuit.

    Vasco will face Botafogo, another traditional Brazilian club, at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

    It will be the fifth match played by Vasco since Romario scored his 999th goal, which generated all the fuss and aroused expectation from both fans and team.

    The first game Romario played under such tension was against team Gama in the Brazil Cup, which ended in a 2-2 tie. Then, Vascofaced Botafogo for the Rio Cup on Sunday at historical Maracana, where legendary footballer Pele scored his 1,000th goal in 1969.

    The celebrating party was all set, Romario's family and guests occupied most of the stadiums tribune of honor, which did not prevent Botafogo from offering a 2-0 victory over Vasco.

    In the second leg against Gama, Vasco was beaten 2-1 and eliminated from Brazil Cup.

    Vascos head coach Renato Gaucho berated the party atmosphere and the expectation over the goal, and decided not to field Romario against team Cabofriense on Sunday.

    However, without Romario's help, the team was overcome 2-1 once more, and fans and the clubs board of directors criticized coach Gaucho for the strategy.