Brazil, Australia storm into Confederation semis

Brazil thereby won group a with three victories and Australia took second spot, thanks to Mexico’s final defeat, with four points from three games.

However, Mexico seemed to learn from the tactics of Australia, who drew 0-0 with Brazil in a previous match, the only fixture where Brazil have not scored since winning the 1994 World Cup.

Mexican coach Manuel Lapuente, like Australia’s Terry Venables, packed the midfield and used Pavel Pardo and Duilio Davino to block Roberto Carlos and Ze Maria along the flanks.

The plan initially paid off but it was Brazil who went ahead in the 41st minute.

Denilson crossed from the left when the ball looked to have gone over the by-line. The ball floated into no-man’s land on the other side of the box with Flavio Conceicao of Brazil and Salvador Carmon of Mexico racing in. Carmen appeared to body check Conceicao and South African referee Ian Mcleod immediately pointed to the spot.

Romario, who had done little till then, easily fired home to put Brazil ahead and became joint top scorer of the competition with three goals.

After the break, referee Mcleod, who injured his left cheek bone, was replaced by Thai official Pirom Un Prasert. Also Brazil brought off Ronaldo and put on striker Bebeto alongside Romario to recreate the 1994 World Cup winning partnership.

Mexico equalized in the 52nd minute through Blanco who scored his third goal in three matches to tie Romario as the tournament’s top scorer.

However further goals by Denilson on 59 minutes and Junior Baiano seven minutes later settled the contest, though Ramirez pulled back a goal with a superb free kick in the dying seconds.

The Saudis, who were out of the competition having lost their opening two group A games, leave with a victory for their German coach Otto Pfister, soon to be replaced by Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira.