Date:14/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/14/stories/2007091455732300.htm

Sport - Football

Brazil prevails over Mexico

FOXBOROUGH (USA): Kaka’s goal in the 80th minute off a poor clearance by Mexican captain Rafael Marquez helped Brazil score a 3-1 victory on Wednesday before a Gillette Stadium crowd of yellow-clad Brazil fans.

The hard-fought victory was Brazil’s first over Mexico in more than three years. The two ejections, including Brazil coach Dunga, and five yellow cards were proof that the teams treated the game as the latest in a rivalry rather than the friendly it was.

Ochoa excels

Brazil could have scored more goals — Ronaldinho’s dazzling playmaking providing the chances — only to be frustrated by Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who made several brilliant saves — 11 for the match — to keep his team in the game. Andres Guardado set up Juan Carlos Cacho’s goal in the 43rd minute, taking a pass from Nery Castillo on the left wing and drawing Brazil goalkeeper Cesar Julio to the right corner of the net before passing to a wide-open Cacho, who finished it off.

The result: Brazil 3 (Kleber 45, Kaka 80, Afonso 86) bt Mexico 1(Juan Carlos Cacho 43). — AP