Melbourne — Brazil scored after 12 seconds against Australia before completing a 4-0 rout in a friendly on Tuesday to hand the hosts a wake-up call before they leave for the Confederations Cup, where they face Germany in their opener. The Socceroos got off to a terrible start when centre-back Bailey Wright gave away possession with the second pass of the game, allowing Diego Souza to hammer home a low shot to groans from most of the 49,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Souza wrapped up the win for a second-string Brazil side with a header in added time after Thiago Silva headed the second from a goalmouth scramble in the 62nd minute and substitute Taison finished off a brilliant team goal in the 75th. Australia, who play world champions Germany in Group B at the Confederations Cup in Russia on Monday, entered the stadium with cautious optimism after last week’s win over Saudi Arabia reignited hopes of a fourth straight World Cup appearance. But the crushing blow of Souza’s e...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.