Coach Ricardo Gomes improving after head surgery

SAO PAULO (AP)—Doctors say the health of Vasco da Gama coach Ricardo Gomes has improved significantly three days after he had a stroke and had to undergo emergency head surgery.

Doctors at the Hospital Pasteur in Rio de Janeiro say the former Brazil defender opened his eyes and moved his arms and legs after being brought out of an induced coma on Wednesday.

The hospital said in a statement that doctors are “optimistic” about Gomes’ recovery. The coach is expected to remain in intensive care for three more days.

The 46-year-old coach fell ill in the second half of Vasco’s 0-0 draw with Flamengo in the Brazilian league and had to be taken from the Engenhao stadium in an ambulance.

He had already sustained a minor stroke after a match last year.