Sunday, October 08, 2006

Brazil defeat Al-Kuwait Sports Club 4-0 in a friendly international

KUWAIT CITY: Brazil stars rewarded some 20,000 spectators with a majestic display on Saturday to defeat Kuwait’s league champions Al-Kuwait Sports Club 4-0 in a friendly international.

Playing for the first time in this tiny oil-rich Gulf state, the five-time world champions, though missing renowned stars like Ronaldo and Adriano, found no difficulty in dominating the game from the start to the finish.

Real Betis striker, Rafael Sobis, among the new stars added by coach Dunga, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful shot from just inside the box after receiving a perfect pass from Robinho.


MIDDLE EASTERN SAMBA: Kuwaiti fans decked out in Brazilian colours for the friendly match on Saturday.

Real Madrid striker Robinho added the second goal in the 36th minute with a stunning solo effort, netting over goalkeeper Khaled al-Fadli after skilfully getting past three defenders.

Robinho remained the main threat to the inexperienced Al-Kuwait defenders until he was substituted after 50 minutes.

The world’s player of the year midfielder Ronaldinho entertained the crowds with some perfect passes before he was substituted at the interval.

The Brazilians lost no time into the second half in adding to their tally when Sobis set substitute midfielder Daniel Carvalho clear into the penalty area with only goalkeeper to beat in the 53rd minute.

AC Milan star Kaka, on as a substitute, scored the fourth goal in the 78th minute in an impressive solo effort when he went past three defenders and shot from the penalty spot.

The Brazilians, who were cheered by an enthusiastic crowd, missed several easy chances to increase the tally.

Al-Kuwait Club came close to scoring twice, both from free kicks with the last one hitting the bar in injury time.


Robinho, seen attempting an overhead kick, scored once in the 4-0 win over Al-Kuwait Sports Club.


Brazilian legend Pele watched the game which was held to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Al-Kuwait Club.

The Brazilian squad was given a hero’s welcome on their arrival on Friday at Kuwait International Airport as hundreds of football fans gathered to receive them.

Many of them followed the players’ motorcade to their seaside hotel, some 20km from the airport.