SAO PAULO: A player who collapsed in a Brazilian Cup match is in stable condition after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
Vasco da Gama's Everton Costa had to leave the stadium in an ambulance after collapsing on the bench shortly after being substituted in the team's match against Resende in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.
Team doctors said Costa's condition was quickly stabilized but he had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for exams. The match continued as he was carried into the ambulance parked behind one of the goals.
Doctors said Thursday that the 28-year-old striker will remain under observation for at least three days, but it could take up to a week to know exactly what caused his heart condition.