Brazil buries outclassed Honduras

In one brief spurt, Brazil turned 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 lead Brazil to a 5-0 victory over Honduras in front of a crowd of 71,124 at Sun Life Stadium.

The attendance was the highest for a soccer match in the home stadium of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

"In the first half, it was a very competitive match," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said. "We were fortunate to capitalize on our second half opportunities."

Maicon's goal in the 65th minute gave Brazil 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.

Willian scored in the 70th when he took Hulk's pass and beat Valladares with a shot from 15 yards.

Hulk followed up his assist with Brazil'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 for Honduras. They have a very good team. We have a young team and this provides another opportunity in our preparation for the World Cup."

Brazil opened 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.

Honduran defenders targeted Neymar closely and the Barcelona striker ended on the ground repeatedly throughout the match.

As a result of the constant pressure, Neymar drew three yellow cards and eight fouls.

(China Daily 11/18/2013 page23)