SPORTS

Brazil thump Hungary 4-1

By Zoltan Fazekas
April 29, 2004 10:44 IST

World champions Brazil showed their class with a dazzling performance to beat Hungary 4-1 in a highly entertaining international friendly on Wednesday.

First-half goals from Kaka and a Luis Fabiano double wrapped up victory for Brazil by the break with a superb Ronaldinho solo effort rounding off the night at the Ferenc Puskas stadium.

It was the first time the Brazilians had beaten Hungary in an official match in five attempts.

"My team played well, technically the players were brilliant," said Brazil's coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, whose side were held to 0-0 draws in their two previous matches this year.

"We found holes in the Hungarian defence and we scored fine goals. The first half was better. In the second, the pace dropped a bit due to the several substitutions.

"I am very proud now that we have been able to cast aside the fact that we never beat the once so-called Mighty Magyars."

Brazil took the lead in the 33rd minute when Ronaldinho played a one-two with Kaka who blasted home from 10 metres.

The visitors doubled their advantage three minutes later when Ronaldinho's shot was parried by Gabor Babos only for Luis Fabiano to follow up and tap in from close range.

The Sao Paolo striker got his second goal on the stroke of halftime when he connected with a perfect cross from wing back Roberto Carlos and finished flawlessly.

'REALISTIC RESULT'

Hungary pulled one back just before the hour when substitute striker Sandor Torghelle broke free and raced through to score on the rebound after his first shot was saved by Dida.

Ronaldinho then added Brazil's fourth after dribbling past two defenders and rounding the goalkeeper before shooting home from a narrow angle.

Hungary's German coach Lothar Matthaeus praised the Brazilians for the game and the visit.

"It was a realistic result, the world champions played excellent soccer. My players respected the stars, maybe it sometimes turned out to be over-respect. I must congratulate Brazil though," he said.

"We have got to avoid mistakes in defence, and if we can do that, we will be able to win games."

The Hungarians, once a major soccer power, beat Brazil in World Cup meetings in 1954 and 1966, held them 0-0 in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro in 1971 and won a 1986 friendly in Budapest.

Zoltan Fazekas
Source: REUTERS
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