Brazil Defeats Australia 4-1 to Conclude Nike International Friendlies
Brazil defeated Australia 4-1 on Monday in Lancaster, Calif. as part of the NIke International Friendlies. The series of matches was being played at the Lancaster National Soccer Center during the 2008 Development Academy Winter Showcase.
Dec. 8, 2008
Brazil took the lead early on in the first half, and never relinquished the advantage. Forward Willen opened the scoring in the 9th minute when he reacted quickest to stab home a loose ball in the area.
Ten minutes later the South Americans doubled their advantage, when midfielder Coutinho picked out teammate Neymar in the 20th minute.
Australia managed to pull a goal back just before halftime, when Brazilian defender Sidimar inadvertently turned a cross into his own net.
After the break Brazil immediately took the initiative by adding to their one goal advantage. A Brazil corner was flicked on at the near post by Gerson and substitute forward Geovane wriggled free from his marker at the far post to poke the ball home.
Geovane concluded the scoring in the 67th minute. A Crystian cross fell to Geovane, and his first touch eluded both his marker and the Australian goalkeeper. The Santos player easily tapped home for his second goal of the game.
Australia fashioned a few late chances, with substitute Kamal Ibrahim bringing the best out of Brazil substitute goalkeeper Alisson.
In the end though, Brazil easily saw out the victory to conclude an undefeated Nike International Friendlies where they went 3-0-0.
Match: Brazil vs. Australia
Date: Dec. 8, 2008
Competition: Nike International Friendlies
Venue: Lancaster National Soccer Center; Lancaster, Calif.
Kickoff: 1 p.m. PT
Attendance: 267
Weather: 50 degrees, windy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
BRA 2 2 4
AUS 1 0 1
BRA – Willen 9th minute
BRA – Neymar (Coutinho) 20
AUS – Own Goal 43
BRA – Geovane (Gerson) 52
BRA – Geovane (Crystian) 67
Lineups:
BRA: 1-Luis Guilherme (12-Alisson, 67); 2-Crystian, 4-Sidimar, 3-Gerson (capt.) (13-Mauricio, 69), 17-Guilherme (6-Dodo, 61); 10-Coutinho, 15-Fernando (7-Joao Pedro, 69), 5-Elivelton, 8-Wellington (16-Maycon, 72); 11-Neymar, 9-Willen (18-Geovane, 28)
Subs not used: 14-Danilo
Head Coach: Luis Antonio Nizzo
AUS: 1-Lawrence Thomas (18-Alex Pearson, 63); 3-Marc Warren (7-Joel Miller, 82) 16-Bailey Wright, 4-Brendan Hamill (capt.), 5-Petar Franjic; 17-Joseph Costa (13-Julius Davies, 69), 8-Chris Bush, 6-Jared Lum, 15-Trent Sainsbury (11-Kamal Ibrahim, 51), 9-Nikola Stanojevic (14-Stephen Doenici, 69); 10-Kerem Bulut (19-David Talevski, 73)
Subs not used: 2-Chahine Noujaim
Head Coach: Ian Greenner
Stats Summary: BRA / AUS
Shots: 14 / 7
Shots on Goal: 8 / 3
Saves: 3 / 4
Corner Kicks: 4 / 1
Fouls: 13 / 6
Offside: 2 / 0
Misconduct Summary:
BRA – Joseph Costa (caution) 37th minute
Officials:
Referee: Yader Reyes (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Jeremy Brooks (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Jeff Davis (USA)
Fourth Official: Ryan Van Duyne (USA)
