Brazil win thrills fans in Harare
Brazil beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in Harare in front of thousands of fans witnessing the first visit to the country by a non-African national team since 1980.
Brazil, using the game as a warm-up before this month's tournament in South Africa, won with goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.
Brazil named a strong side, including Kaka, Maicon and Robinho.
And Zimbabweans were delighted to see some of the world's best players on show on Wednesday in a full stadium.
The match was a sell-out despite increased ticket prices.
The South American giants, who have won the World Cup five times, are the first international team from outside Africa to play in Zimbabwe since the country's independence.
Brazil overcame a loose start to earn a comfortable victory although they suffered an injury scare when first-choice goalkeeper Julio Cesar went off in the first half-hour of the game.
Doctors later said he was substituted as a precaution.
Zimbabwe were not overawed by the experience of playing Brazil and the home fans celebrated despite the defeat.
Brazil take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on 7 June in their final warm-up game before they kick-off their World Cup campaign against North Korea on 15 June.
They also face Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8719053.stm
Brazil beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in Harare in front of thousands of fans witnessing the first visit to the country by a non-African national team since 1980.
Brazil, using the game as a warm-up before this month's tournament in South Africa, won with goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.
Brazil named a strong side, including Kaka, Maicon and Robinho.
And Zimbabweans were delighted to see some of the world's best players on show on Wednesday in a full stadium.
The match was a sell-out despite increased ticket prices.
The South American giants, who have won the World Cup five times, are the first international team from outside Africa to play in Zimbabwe since the country's independence.
Brazil overcame a loose start to earn a comfortable victory although they suffered an injury scare when first-choice goalkeeper Julio Cesar went off in the first half-hour of the game.
Doctors later said he was substituted as a precaution.
Zimbabwe were not overawed by the experience of playing Brazil and the home fans celebrated despite the defeat.
Brazil take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on 7 June in their final warm-up game before they kick-off their World Cup campaign against North Korea on 15 June.
They also face Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8719053.stm