MIAMI: Impressive 2014 World Cup host Brazil humbled Honduras 5-0 on Saturday night in an international football friendly, showing their Cup-qualified rivals the steep challenge they will face next June.
With typical Samba flair and flashy footwork, the Brazilians used pinpoint passing to humiliate a physical, hard-fouling Central American side before 71,124 spectators at the home stadium of American football’s Miami Dolphins -- Florida’s largest-ever football crowd.
Honduras bumped and fouled in the early going, with playmaker Neymar bearing the brunt of the exchanges, including a spiking from Wilson Palacios that drew a yellow card in the 17th minute.
Bernard opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, charging into the heart of the penalty area from the left wing and taking a perfect centering pass from Paulinho at the right wing. Dante headed home Brazil’s second goal in the 55th minute off a Neymar free kick and Maicon netted his first goal since 2010 in the 66th minute to give Brazil a 3-0 edge. In the 70th minute, Hulk delivered a deadly set-up pass from the left side of the area to Willian, who tapped the ball home from point-blank range for a 4-0 Brazil lead.
But Brazil’s playmakers saved their best for last.
Hulk completed the tally for Brazil.AFP
