Striker Adriano scores again after 2 years

SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazil striker Adriano has scored his first professional goal in more than two years.

Adriano netted in Atletico Paranaense's 2-1 loss to The Strongest of Bolivia, a result that eliminated the Brazilian club from the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday.

A starter for Brazil in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Adriano hadn't scored since February 2012, when he still played for Corinthians.

His goal Tuesday came with a shot from close range three minutes into first-half stoppage time in La Paz.

Adriano was sidelined for nearly two years following a series of off-the-field problems and an Achilles tendon injury.

The former Inter Milan star has been saying he remains hopeful of playing in this year's World Cup.