Clinical Brazil closing in on a sixth title
BRAZIL (3) v/s CHILE (0)
BRAZIL manager Dunga saw his side justify their favourites tag by strolling past Chile and into a last-eight meeting with Holland – and then told them to up their game further.
Two goals in the space of four minutes from Juan and Luis Fabiano gave Brazil a stranglehold on the game before half-time, and Robinho added gloss to the score just before the hour.
The ease with which the five-time winners despatched a Chile side that had lit up the tournament will ensure a few extra nerves in the Dutch camp before the teams meet in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
But Dunga is anticipating a tough test and has warned his squad they must continue to get better if they are to claim a sixth World Cup.
“We have to improve in all sectors of our play, but it was a nice game against Chile,” he said.
“We have already said we are trying to play the open football which everyone wants to see. The players did well and we got forward a lot.
“We know Holland are very difficult to beat and very able technically – they play like South Americans.
“Some people doubted we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final.”
Chile were at a major disadvantage even before kick-off, with three players suspended, and found themselves a goal down after 34 minutes when unmarked centre-back Juan headed home Maicon’s corner.
Moments later Brazil were two goals up, Kaka slipping in Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano to cap an incisive move by rounding goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
With a quarter-final spot secure Dunga’s men eased off, but that did not stop Manchester City outcast Robinho gathering a pass from Ramires – who will be banned for the Dutch clash – and netting the third.