Click here to see the 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table
Andre Dias put America in front on 19 minutes, when he got on the end of a free-kick to tap in from close range. However, the lead only lasted two minutes, as Juninho Pernambucano fired in a trademark free-kick.
The hosts retook the lead just before half-time from the spot, with Kempes calmly slotting the ball home. Marcos Rocha added the third on the hour, playing a neat one-two before prodding the ball over the advancing ‘keeper.
America rounded off a fine win with five minutes remaining when Dias got his second. The striker cut in from the left, and curled in a fine finish from the edge of the box after another well executed one-two.
The victory gives America some hope at the bottom, with the side now four points from safety. Vasco are now in third, after Sao Paulo’s win over Figueirense on Saturday.
