Brazil outclass Honduras

South Americans take on Germany in quarterfinals

Striker Brenner struck twice as title favourites Brazil maintained their winning streak by outplaying Honduras 3-0 to set up a quarterfinal clash against Germany in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Wednesday.

Seeking their fourth title, Brazil have performed admirably, winning all their group matches before overwhelming Honduras in the pre-quarterfinals.

Brenner scored in the 11th and 56th minutes while Marcos Antonio netted the other goal in the 44th minute as Brazil notched up their biggest win of the tournament.

With the crowd supporting the Brazilians, Honduras attack were few though they did manage to hit the goalpost twice, once in each half.

Brazil will now travel to Kolkata to face Germany on October 22. Attacking midfielder Alan set up the first goal for the South American champions. He cut into the Honduras box from the right and had a one-on-one with Wesley before releasing the ball for Brenner, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper.

Honduras were denied an equaliser against the run of play in the 32nd minute as Luis Palma’s shot from a difficult angle on the right side of the box beat the goalkeeper but hit the upright.

Brazil doubled the lead just before half time with midfielder Marcos Antonio scoring with a deft left footer off a beautiful Paulinho through pass which sliced open the Honduras defence.

Brazil did not put their feet off the pedal and made the scoreline 3-0 in the 56th minute. Wesley did all the spadework. He cut into the right side of the Honduras box and his tussle with a defender caused the ball to land nicely for Brenner to fire in an opportunistic strike for his second goal of the match.

Ghana down Niger

In Navi Mumbai, two-time champions Ghana outplayed fellow African side Niger 2-0 to enter the last eight on Wednesday.

Goals from captain Eric Ayiah off a penalty and substitute Richard Danso in the 90th minute helped Ghana win the rough and tough round of 16 game at the D Y Patil Stadium after dominating play almost right through.

Ghana will take on African champions Mali.