Miami Gardens,Fla—In one brief spurt,Brazilturned a close game into a rout and proved again it will be a strong World Cup favorite. Maicon, Willian and Hulk scored in a seven-minute span to leadBrazilto a 5-0 victory in front of a crowd of 71,124 at Sun Life Stadium. The attendance was the highest for a soccer match in the Miami Dolphins’ stadium.After a tight first half,Brazilbroke the game open with four second-half goals.
“In the first half, it was a very competitive match,”Brazilcoach Luiz Felipe Scolari said. “We were fortunate to capitalize on our second half opportunities.”
Maicon’s goal in the 65th minute gaveBrazil a 3-0 lead.Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares deflected Paulinho’s header from the left post area and an unmarked Maicon retrieved the deflection near the far post and tapped it into the net.
William scored in the 70th. William received Hulk’s pass and beat Valladares with a shot from 15 yards.
Hulk followed up his assist withBrazil’s fifth goal three minutes later. Robinho’s heel pass found Hulk, who converted on a shot that landed inside the left post.
“I did not expect this type of result,” Scolari said. “I have too much respect forHonduras. They have a very good team. We have a young team and this provides another opportunity in our preparation for the World Cup.”
Brazilopened the scoring with Bernard’s goal in the 22nd minute. Paulinho’s cross from the right wing found an open Bernard just outside the 6-yard box, where his blast landed under the crossbar. In the 36th minute, Neymar broke free down the left wing for a shot deep in the goal area. Noel Valladares deflected Neymar’s attempt from 12 yards.
Honduran defenders targeted Neymar closely and the Barcelonastriker ended on the ground repeatedly throughout the match. As a result of the constant pressure, Neymar drew three yellow cards and eight fouls. “I am not going to discuss the emphasis on Neymar,” Hondurascoach Luis Fernando Suarez said. “Obviously, he is a player that generates tremendous attention. But my focus is our team and moving forward.” Jerry Bengston had Honduras’ best scoring threat of the first half when his header inside the 6-yard box sailed above the crossbar. Dante made it 2-0 in the 55th minute. Neymar sent a free kick from the left wing toward the 6-yard area, where Dante’s header rolled under the legs ofHonduras’ Carlos Costly and into the net. “The positive I take from this game is we played a very good first half,” Suarez said. “Our play decreased dramatically in the second half whileBrazil raised its game to another level.”
On Tuesday night,Brazilwill playChileinToronto, andHonduraswill
faceEcuadorinHouston. – Yahoo Sports
