Brazil defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in a World Cup warm up on Wednesday thanks to goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.
Brazil had a sloppy start at Harare’s National Sports Stadium, but picked up the pace to earn the easy victory with less than two weeks before its World Cup debut.
Michel Bastos opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed free kick in the 41st minute, Robinho added to the lead from inside the penalty area in the 44th and Elano closed the scoring from close range in the 56th.
It was Brazil’s first warm up since arriving in Africa to begin its World Cup preparations.
The Selecao’s will face Tanzania on Sunday in Dar es Salaam in its final match before debuting against North Korea on June 15 in Johannesburg.
The historic match however saw first choice goalkeeper, Julio Cesar substituted early in the first half after picking up an injury.
Further tests will be done on him to ascertain the level of damage caused by the injury and to also know whether he will be available for the Mundial which kicks off a week from now.
Brazil are drawn in what many terms ‘the group of death’ alongside Korea DPR, Portugal and African giants, Cote d’ Ivoire. |
