Brazil produced a dominant display to brush aside Honduras 3-0 and set up a heavyweight quarterfinal clash against Germany in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Wednesday. (HIGHLIGHTS)
The game started with both sides tentative and struggling to create chances in the opening 10 minutes at the Jawaharlal 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 Souza made a clever run into the box and positioned himself well to receive a pass with no Honduran defender near him. He laid off to Brenner, who tapped in.
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Three minutes later, Brazil forward Paulinho made a long range attempt that went straight to Honduras goalkeeper Alex Rivera and then Alan’s shot was turned away for a corner by Honduras keeper Rivera.
The South American champions almost paid the price for a lapse in the 33rd minute when defender Lucas Halter lost the ball just outside the box, allowing Luis Palma to shoot, but the attempt struck the post.
{{/usCountry}}The South American champions almost paid the price for a lapse in the 33rd minute when defender Lucas Halter lost the ball just outside the box, allowing Luis Palma to shoot, but the attempt struck the post.
{{/usCountry}}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.
Hint of a Brazil handball
In the 56th minute, Brazil extended their lead in 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.
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With progress to the quarterfinals 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 71st minute, but his long range effort hit the post. Brazil subsequently slowed things down, letting Honduras to have a go from outside the box.
Limping Brenner no worry
Brenner, who scored a brace, went down in the 83rd minute and was seen limping towards the end, but coach Amadeu said he was not too worried about any injury to Brenner or Weverson.
“We have players who can play in multiple positions. If we lose some players because of cards or injuries we have players to replace them,” he said.
Honduras coach Jose Valladares said his defence let him down.
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“Brazil is a strong team. We have played well throughout the tournament, but our defence was weak and Brazil took advantage,” he said.
Amadeu said he wasn’t thinking of the quarterfinal against Germany, to be played in Kolkata on Sunday.
“When Brazil play Honduras, everyone expects Brazil to win. So, there was a lot of pressure on the boys today,” he said. “About the next match, now is the time to enjoy the moment, enjoy the result. We have a long journey tomorrow, then we will think about Germany.”