Brazil down Honduras, Germany clash up next
Brazil produced a dominant display to brush aside Honduras 3-0 and setup a heavyweight quarter final clash against Germany in the F IF AU -17 World Cup here on Wednesday.
The game started with both sides tentative and struggling to create chances in the opening 10 minutes at the Jaw aharl al Nehru Stadium here but ended with a brace from Brenner as the tournament favourites took control.
Brazil outfoxed their opponents first in the 11th minute when attacking midfielder Alan Souzamadea clever runintothe box and positioned himself well to receive a pass with no Honduran defender near him. He laid off to Brenner, who tapped in.
Three minutes later, Brazil forward Paulinho made a long rangeattempt that went straight to Honduras goalkeeper Alex Rivera and then Alan’s shot was turned away for a corner by Honduras keeper River a.
The South American champions almost paid the price for a lapse in the 33rd minute when defender Lucas Halter lost the balljust outside the box, allowing
Luis Palma to shoot, but the attempt struck the post.
However, Brazil continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 44th minute, Marcos Antonio evaded the Honduran backline with his run. Paulinho, from just outside the box, laid a perfect pass to Antonio, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
In the 56th minute, Brazil extended their leadin controversial circumstances. Right back Wesley drifted in from the right but seemed to handle the ball just as he attempted to get past the keeper in front of the goal. The ball fell to Brenner, who scored from close. The referee waved away protests by the Honduras players.
Brazil came close to scoring again in the 63rd minute when medio Marcos Antonio, after a powerful run, found space to take a shot from a narrow angle. His effort was not far from the goal.
With progress to the quarter finals virtually sealed, Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu took off key man Alan, who was a booking away from missing the next game.
Carlos Mejia brought Honduras again close in the 71 st minute, but his long range effort hit the post. Brazil subsequently slowed things down, letting Honduras to have a go from outside the box.
Brenner, who scored a brace, went down in the 83 rd minute and was seen limping towards the end, but coach Amadeu said he was not too worried.
Brazil will face Germany in Kolkata on Sunday.