BRAZIL STROLL PAST SINGAPORE

Two goals in the first half and another in the second were enough for the Brazilian side under Dunga to rake up the confidence as they head on to play Vietnam next.

In front of more than 30,000 fans, Singapore’s Daniel Bennett moved in from his normal left back position to partner Baihakki Khaizan at the heart of defence.

But that failed to make the difference in the 20th minute as captain Ronaldinho drew the Singapore defence out before unleashing an exquisite back heel for Diego to release a low shot that gave Hassan Sunny no chance.

Seven minutes later, Brazil chalked up their second goal as Diego played provider for Pato, whose shot came off Hassan which Ronaldinho had little difficulty in slamming home.

Singapore tried to get back into the game in the second half with a flurry of substitutions but that failed to change the score line as Thiago Neves played a crucial role for the third goal ten minutes to the end.

Neves dribbled into the Singapore penalty box as Jo then scored from close range.

“It was a good game, considering how the players are all at different levels of fitness,” said Dunga, the head coach for Brazil.

“We can’t expect to prepare completely given the short time we have had together, but I thought the players did well to pass the ball around, and impose themselves tactically.”

Radojko Avramovic, the head coach for Singapore replied: “In the first half we were under a lot of pressure to defend, but the second half we saw more of what we expected the players to show.”

“We had a few opportunities, good shots and good saves from the Brazil keeper, but the fact remains that if you don’t score goals, then you are sure to lose the game.”