BRAZIL 2 AUSTRALIA 0 - MATCH REPORT

Brazil ran out two nil winners of this Group F clash to guarantee themselves a place in Round Two.

Australia set their stall out to frustrate the current World Cup holders, and they were successful in limiting them to shots from range, with Kaka and Roberto Carlos shooting off target. Ronaldo wasted Brazil's best chance when he failed to connect with a volley after a delightful ball into him from Kaka.

But the Socceroos weren't limited to their own half, and lone striker Mark Viduka and Jason Culina tested Dida, albeit in from distance.

It only took Brazil four minutes after the re-start to take the lead, Ronaldo supplying the ball for Adriano, who steadied himself before striking the ball low beyond the reach of Aussie stopper Mark Schwarzer.

Australia responded by introducing Harry Kewell and John Aloisi to increase their attacking prowess, and it was Kewell who had Australia's best chances, first when he blazed over from twelve yards after Dida had spilled the ball under pressure, and secondly when his dipping shot landed on the roof of the net with the keeper stranded.

As the match progressed, Australia's attacking play left them vulnerable at the back, and after Viduka's lob missed the target, Brazil were able to counter-attack and wrap up the win, substitute Fred tapping into an empty net after Robinho's shot had come back off the post, leaving Schwarzer helpless.

Brazil won the game despite reaching the level the World knows they can, and while star striker Ronaldo was far from his best, his performance was markedly better than the one five days earlier against Croatia. Australia battled well and were good value for a point they didn't get, and know they must simply avoid defeat to Croatia and their place in Round Two will be confirmed.

Man of the Match: Lucas Neil - The Blackburn man performed admirably against a side of World beaters, and put in some crucial early tackles, particularly a sliding challenge on Ronaldinho in the first half, to stop Brazil getting into their stride.

Venue: Allianz Arena
Attendance: 66,000
Referee: Marcus Merk


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