Brazil have it their way, Honduras on highway

Kochi, October 18

Striker Brenner struck twice as title favourites Brazil maintained their winning streak by outplaying Honduras 3-0 to set up a high-octane quarterfinal clash against Germany in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today. Seeking their fourth title, Brazil lived up to expectations by winning all their group matches and brushing aside the challenge of Honduras in the pre-quarterfinal clash. Brenner struck in the 11th and 56th minutes, while Marcos Antonio scored in the 44th minute as Brazil notched up their biggest win of the tournament. They had beaten Spain (2-1), North Korea (2-0) and Niger (2-0) to top Group D.

With the crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium supporting the Brazilians, the Honduras attacks were few and far between, though they hit the goalpost twice, once in each half. Honduras had scored at least a goal in their three Group E matches but today they were unable to do it.

Attacking midfielder Alan, who sat out of Brazil’s final group game against Niger as a precautionary measure after receiving a yellow card in the previous match, returned today and set up the first goal for the South American champions. He cut into the Honduras box from the right and released the ball for Brenner, who slotted it past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the tournament.

Brazil doubled the lead just before half time with midfielder Antonio scoring his first goal of the tournament with a deft left-footer off a beautiful through pass that sliced open the Honduras defence.

Honduras coach Jose Valladares brought in Kenneth Martinez and Joshua Canales after half time in search of goals but Brazil did not take their foot off the pedal and made the scoreline 3-0 in the 56th minute.

Brazil will now travel to Kolkata to take on Germany in the quarterfinals on October 22. — PTI