Clinical Brazil thrash United States

Washington : The Brazilian Olympic team gave proof of their power as they thrashed the United States’ senior side in Washington in a 4-1 victory.

The Americans fielded their full side as they build up not to London 2012 but to their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in 10 days.

But a Neymar-inspired Brazil proved too good for their older hosts.

The 20-year-old Santos forward scored the first and made the second for Thiago Silva, before Herculez Gomez pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.

Marcelo and Alexandre Pato then scored in the second period as Mano Menezes’ side made in 10 matches in a row without defeat.

Neymar opened the scoring from the spot in the 11th minute, after the referee gave a penalty when Leandro Damiao`s shot hit Oguchi Onyewu’s arm.

America tried to react and were close to pulling level from a free-kick by Gomez, but after that the South Americans created the better chances.

Damiao shot over the bar and Hulk missed another when he passed instead of going for goal himself.

In the 26th minute Neymar crossed for Thiago Silva, who displayed good movement to double the advantage with a header.

Brazil eased up and allowed the USA back in, Michael Bradley passing to Fabian Johnson, who crossed for Gomez to make it 2-1.

Brazil began the second period playing the fast-moving style Menezes favours.

Marcelo passed to Hulk, he found Neymar, and the youngster assisted Marcelo to make it 3-1 in the 52nd minute.

Ten substitutions and some tough tackles spoilt the rhythm of the match, but the Americans more than once went close to narrowing the gap again.

Defender Romulo saved one from Clint Dempsey after a nice move involving Johnson and Gomez, while keeper Rafael showed his credentials keeping out good shots by Gomez, Terrence Boyd and Onyewu.

Three minutes before the final whistle, though, substitute Pato completed the scoring with a powerful shot.

BDST: 1205 HRS, May 31, 2012
Edited by: Manoz Halder, Newsroom Editor