Abu Dhabi: Brazil secured their place in round 16 of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup after trouncing hosts UAE 6-1 at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium here on Sunday night.
Brazil, who now have six points and 12 goals from their first two matches, were simply out of this world. The UAE boys tried their best to stop them, but there was no way despite the fact the hosts played better than in their first match against Honduras, which they lost 2-1.
Knowing the outstanding capabilities of Brazil, the UAE tried to concentrate on defence in the first half to keep the Samba Boys at bay. But the difference between the two teams was vast and the three-time champions needed only nine minutes before scoring their first goal, when Nathan sent a cunning pass inside the box to Boschilia, who scored easily in the absence of a marker.
Boschilia came again to score in the 33rd minute with a beautiful curling lob after Gustavo sent him clear.
The UAE went forward after the second goal and tried to change the result and they had a good chance when captain Humaid Salmeen sent in a fierce free-kick that Marcos, the Brazilian keeper, saved brilliantly.
Nathan scored the third goal for Brazil following a defensive mistake that enabled Boschillia to collect the ball pass into the penalty area. Nathan then went past a defender and the goalkeeper before placing home in the 41st minute and Brazil went into the break leading 3-0.
Brazil coach Alexandre Gallo made two substitutions midway through the second half, introducing strikers Joanderson and Gabriel. And, only two minutes later, Gabriel created the fourth goal for Nathan.
Joanderson scored the fifth in the 73rd minute and Gabriel added the sixth in the 84th.
UAE substitute Zayed Al Ameri scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the 89th minute following a long pass. He broke the offside trap, beat a defender and rounded the goalkeeper before placing home a historic goal.
The UAE are still to win their first point, but if they can beat Slovakia on Wednesday they could go to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
