Brazil Trounce Portugal In Eight-Goal Thriller

The inauguration of the Estadio Bezerrao of Brasilia was celebrated in style after an absolutely sensational display by Brazil, who have certainly rediscovered their top form after an emphatic 6-2 victory over European counterparts Portugal.

But things didn't get off to the best of starts for Dunga's men, as Portugal took a surprise lead in the 4th minute when Danny flicked a far post cross into the back of the net with a cheeky backheel.

But Brazil replied immediately, as within four minutes Luis Fabiano blasted the ball home after good work from Robinho down the left wing to draw the Brazilians level.

Minutes later Robinho almost put Brazil ahead, but he shaved the right post with a fine effort from the edge of the area.

Dunga's men dominated their opponents in the midfield and pushed forward at every opportunity. And the five-time World Champions were rewarded for their approach as in the 23rd minute Luis Fabiano fired in a shot on the turn that eluded Quim in the Portugal goal.

In the 35th minute Kaka had a great opportunity to increase Brazil's lead, but he blasted an effort over the crossbar when he just had the goalkeeper to beat.

Brazil went into the break with a well deserved 2-1 advantage, and from what we saw in the initial forty-five minutes much was expected after the break.

It definitely lived up to expectation, as Brazil demonstrated arguably their best display since Dunga was appointed the coach of the national team in 2006. His side managed to rediscover their top form, with a magnificent display reminiscent of the joga bonito.

Brazil played the better football at the beginning of the second half, and after a great deal of pressure they finally increased their lead in the 25th minute with a spectacular strike from Maicon.

Robinho, Elano and Luis Fabiano combined to release the right back and he managed to beat Quim with an absolutely brilliant effort from an almost impossible angle.

Two minutes later Luis Fabiano completed his superb hat-trick with Brazil's fourth goal of the night. The Sevilla striker tapped the ball into an unguarded net after an initial Robinho effort was blocked by Quim.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who couldn't find anything near to his top form during the match, tested Julio Cesar with a long-range free-kick that went awfully wide.

A few minutes later Simao Sabrosa pulled a goal back for the visitors after good work from Deco.

But Portugal were in for another major set-back, as in the 65th minute Elano extended Brazil's big lead when he unleashed an extraordinary curling effort that went inside the left post.

In second half injury time substitute Adriano added Brazil's sixth goal when he connected to a precise left wing Marcelo cross with a powerful header.

Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda brought an end to a breathtaking encounter, that allowed Brazil to demonstrate to the world that they will surely be contenders to lift the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Team Line-Ups

Brazil 6- Julio Cesar, Maicon (Daniel Alves 79'), Luisao, Thiago Silva, Kleber (Marcelo 81'), Gilberto Silva, Elano (Mancini 75'), Anderson(Josue 79'), Kaka, Robinho (Alex 81') and Luis Fabiano (Adriano 63'). Coach- Carlos Dunga.

Portugal 2- Quim, Bosingwa, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira, Maniche (Cesar Peixoto 82'), Tiago (Raul Meireles 45'), Deco (Joao Moutinho 63'), Danny (Nani 45'), Cristiano Ronaldo and Simao. Coach- Carlos Queiroz.

Goals

Brazil- Luis Fabiano (8', 24', 57'), Maicon (55'), Elano (63'), Adriano(90')

Portugal- Danny (4') , Simao (61')

Gregory Sica