PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – Brazil moved into second place in South American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Peru, one of the weaker teams in the region.
The return to the lineup of star forward Kaka and the scoring of Luis Fabiano lifted the five-time world champions. Fabiano had two goals, one on a penalty kick after Kaka was fouled.
Brazil has 21 points, three behind leader Paraguay, in continental qualifying. Peru is at the bottom of the standings with seven points.
Kaka recovered from a left foot injury that kept him out of Brazil's lackluster 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Quito on Sunday. His return was just what the Brazilians needed, providing a spark to the offense and giving coach Dunga a victory in his hometown.
Brazil controlled the match throughout the 90 minutes, with the Peruvian defense resembling a sieve. Orchestrated by Kaka, the Brazilians swarmed over the net with attacks streaming down the wings and through the center as Luis Fabiano, Robinho, Elano and Daniel Alves threatened to score.
Luis Fabiano scored on his penalty kick, then doubled the lead after chesting down a floated ball into the area from Daniel Alves and finishing across goal as the Peruvian defenders froze.
Midfield anchor Felipe Melo scored the third goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 65th minute after bursting through the center.
Peru's best chance came after 67 minutes when Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar pushed away a long distance shot from Johan Fano.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, April 02, 2009, 00:00