Neymar powers Brazil past Japan as protests hit opening
Source: Agencies |
June 17, 2013, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
NEYMAR'S stunning early strike set Brazil on the way to a 3-0 win over Japan in the opening match of the Confederations Cup on Saturday although the occasion was marred by trouble at a protest outside the stadium.
More than 30 people were injured and 22 arrested as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters angry at the amount of public money being spent on stadiums for the tournament and next year's World Cup.
President Dilma Rousseff and FIFA president Sepp Blatter were jeered before the match at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia as the public showed their discontent.
Some fans in the 67,000 crowd had to be treated for the effects of tear gas fired by riot police at about 500 protesters outside the rebuilt stadium, which like many other venues has been plagued by delays.
On the field, it was plain sailing for five-time world champion Brazil as second-half goals from Paulinho and substitute Jo completed a comfortable win in Group A.
Boosted by Neymar's early strike, Brazil, playing its first competitive match since the Copa America nearly two years ago, dealt competently with the Asian champion which created some nice moves in midfield but lacked punch.
"What mattered most was the result and this continued the tactical evolution of the team," said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose side beat France 3-0 in a friendly last Sunday.
"I thought Neymar played very well, he ended a run without scoring, and I only took him off as he had a slight injury," he added. "I've no idea what happened outside the stadium."
The game, featuring the only two countries already sure of a place in next year's World Cup, came alive after three minutes when Neymar scored from the edge of the area after a long cross from Marcelo was chested down by Fred.
The host will also meet Italy and Olympic champion Mexico in Group A. World and European champion Spain headlines Group B alongside Uruguay, Nigeria and minnow Tahiti.
More than 30 people were injured and 22 arrested as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters angry at the amount of public money being spent on stadiums for the tournament and next year's World Cup.
President Dilma Rousseff and FIFA president Sepp Blatter were jeered before the match at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia as the public showed their discontent.
Some fans in the 67,000 crowd had to be treated for the effects of tear gas fired by riot police at about 500 protesters outside the rebuilt stadium, which like many other venues has been plagued by delays.
On the field, it was plain sailing for five-time world champion Brazil as second-half goals from Paulinho and substitute Jo completed a comfortable win in Group A.
Boosted by Neymar's early strike, Brazil, playing its first competitive match since the Copa America nearly two years ago, dealt competently with the Asian champion which created some nice moves in midfield but lacked punch.
"What mattered most was the result and this continued the tactical evolution of the team," said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose side beat France 3-0 in a friendly last Sunday.
"I thought Neymar played very well, he ended a run without scoring, and I only took him off as he had a slight injury," he added. "I've no idea what happened outside the stadium."
The game, featuring the only two countries already sure of a place in next year's World Cup, came alive after three minutes when Neymar scored from the edge of the area after a long cross from Marcelo was chested down by Fred.
The host will also meet Italy and Olympic champion Mexico in Group A. World and European champion Spain headlines Group B alongside Uruguay, Nigeria and minnow Tahiti.
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