World Cup debutantes China didn't seem
overawed by four time World Champions Brazil and took the game to them right from the
start. They also defended in numbers to crowd out Ronaldo and Ronaldinho when Brazil
attacked.
Xu Yunlong showed plenty of pace on the right
to get past Roberto Carlos on a number of occasions, as China looked lively and appeared
to be enjoying themselves; eve when they overhit the ball.
-- GOAL -- 1-0
But China couldn't do anything about Roberto Carlos' left-foot free-kick
in the fifteenth minute.
Ronaldinho was unfairly booked for diving in the 24th minute,
when in fact Du Wei had clearly pulled his shirt.
-- GOAL -- 2-0 Rivaldo extended Brazil's lead by volleying in Ronaldinho's cheeky chip
in the area -- 32 mins.
-- GOAL -- 3-0
Brazil were awarded a penalty, just before half-time, when Ronaldo was pulled down by two
defenders. Ronaldinho stepped forward to put his name on the scoresheet
as well.
Half-time: Brazil 3 -- China
0
China started the second-half a little slower
and passed the ball around the back to try and limit Brazil's chances of increasing their
lead.
-- GOAL -- 4-0
China lost possession deep in the Brazilian half and Rivaldo floated a long ball out to
Cafu on the right, who crossed for Ronaldo to tap in Brazil's fourth goal
-- 55 mins.
Five minutes later, China found themselves in
plenty of space and Zhao Junzhe's shot from the left side of the area had Marcos beaten
but cannoned off the right upright.
Bora Milutinovic gave some more youngsters a
taste of World Cup football, in the latter part of the game, to see if they could come up
with any fresh ideas.
With twenty minutes left, Marcos palmed away a
curling free-kick as China still searched for their first goal in a World Cup finals
competition.... maybe against Turkey.
A relatively easy win for Brazil as they make
sure of their rightful place in the Second Round.
