Zimbabwe 0 Brazil 3:Brazil enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Harare today in their penultimate warm-up match before they attempt to win the World Cup for the sixth time next month.
Goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano gave Brazil coach Dunga plenty to smile about but an injury to goalkeeper Julio Cesar marred his afternoon.
The Inter Milan player went off after 26 minutes pointing to his chest allowing Tottenham’s Heurelho Gomes a rare international appearance.
Julio Cesar had been called into action to deny a double chance for Zimbabwe captain and striker Mwaruwari Benjani and Ovidy Karuru. Soon after that he indicated his discomfort to the bench and asked to come off.
Zimbabwe, although only ranked 117th in the world, gave the Brazil a useful test and came close to scoring in each half to give their fans something to cheer.
Brazil took control and went ahead after 42 minutes with a stunning 20-metre free kick from Michel Bastos after Luis Fabiano was fouled by Zimbabwe's Tinashe Nengomasha near the edge of the box.
Two minutes later Maicon played in Robinho with a stunning sweep from the outside of his right boot and the striker cleverly clipped the ball home, leaving Zimbabwe goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda well beaten again.
The best goal of the game came after 56 minutes when Dani Alves traded passes with Julio Baptista and then selflessly crossed for Elano to tap in rather than score himself.
Brazil complete their World Cup preparations against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam next Monday and play their first game in the tournament against North Korea in Johannesburg on June 15th. They also face Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G