Kenya (4) v (10) Brazil
Brazil beat Kenya 10-4 on Melbourne pitch in one of the matches of the tournament so far
Kenya (4) v (10) Brazil
By George Thomson
BRAZIL beat Kenya 10-4 on Melbourne pitch in one of the matches of the tournament so far.
By beating such accomplished opponents in convincing style, the South Americans sent a strong message to the rest of the competition that they have a real chance of lifting the 2008 Homeless World Cup.
There was a large crowd at Birrarung Marr eagerly anticipating this match-up between two of the most skilful teams at the tournament, and they were treated to a feast of intricate football skill.
All six outfield players displayed outstanding control and touch, working intricate passing combinations between teammates through the smallest of gaps.
Goals flowed as both sides showed a lethal touch when opportunities presented themselves. As the first half developed, no side could build a comfortable lead, Brazil just edging it 5-4 at the break.
During the second period however, the Kenyans began to tire from chasing yellow-and-blue shadows and gaps emerged in their back line.
There is probably no better player in the tournament to exploit such opportunities than Brazil's rangy number 10 Carlos Magno, whose precise dribbling and cultured finishing have marked him out as real threat. He scored a hat-trick in both halves during Brazil's authoritative win.
Photos: Photoworx