World player of the year Kaka returned after an 11-month international absence to inspire five-time champions Brazil to a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
The 26-year-old AC Milan star was on target after just five minutes and set up the third goal as Brazil moved back into the second place in the South American standings with 16 points, four behind leaders Paraguay.
Manchester City ace Robinho also grabbed a share of the headlines with two sublime goals.
Venezuela came into the match buoyed by having won a friendly between the two nations 2-0 in a friendly in Boston last year, their first ever victory ending a run of 17 successive defeats against their illustrious rivals.
Venezuela had chances to hit back before half-time as Brazil's defensive frailities looked in danger of being exposed, but Alejandro Guerra, Jorge Rojas, Juan Arango and Giancarlo Maldonado all wasted opportunities.
Adriano was booked on the stroke of half-time which means he will be suspended for Wednesday's visit of Colombia.
Brazil keeper Julio Cesar was twice called on early in the second half to save from Maldonado at close range.
Venezuela, the only South American team never to have played in a World Cup, paid for their wastefulness after 69 minutes when Robinho added his second goal of the night being put through by Kleber.
Robinho controlled the ball superbly, steadied himself and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.
No comments:
Post a Comment