Brasilia: Brazil secured a comfortable 6-0 friendly win over Iraq in Sweden, as a much-changed starting XI dominated the game, with Kaka netting on his return to the international fold.
The Real Madrid star joined Oscar (2), Neymar, Lucas and Hulk on the scoresheet as the Selecao recorded a comfortable friendly triumph over the abject visitors.
Mano Menezes` men were looking for their fifth consecutive win, and help to reinstate themselves as a major footballing superpower before the nation hosts the World Cup in 2014.
Brazil started the better of the two sides and their pressure quickly came to fruition, as two of the country`s hottest prospects combined. Neymar slid a scything pass through the Iraqi defence, allowing Oscar to race through on goal and stroke the ball past the onrushing Sabri in the 22nd minute.
Minutes later Oscar struck again, with Kaka picking up an assist, as the Real Madrid playmaker pulled the ball back to the edge of the six yard box for the youngster, who passed home comfortably for his second of the night.
The heroics of Sabri and the aid of the Iraqi woodwork kept the Asian side`s deficit to only two goals at the half time break, as Brazil dominated possession and chances, with Hulk, Kaka and David Luiz being denied.
Iraq failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, with the majority of the football being played inside their own half, as they struggled to string passes together to break out of the Brazilian siege.
Sabri was immediately called into action in the second half as normal service was resumed, making a reaction save to deny Oscar a 47 minute hat-trick. However, the early pressure did force a goal, as Kaka capped his return to the Brazil set-up with a powerful near post finish in the next passage of play.
In the 56th minute, the Samba Boys were celebrating yet again, as Hulk saw a deflected effort find its way past the helpless Iraqi goalkeeper, off the boot of a defender.
Iraq almost pulled a goal back in the 60th minute, as they looked to land their first shot on target, but Younes Mahmoud was left frustrated as he saw his effort blocked en route to goal.
Total control was restored for Brazil in the 76th minute however, as the lively Neymar struck a wonderful goal. The Santos star brought down a lofted ball, before curling an effort inside the far post.
Substitute Lucas Moura added the sixth goal five minutes later, finishing easily from the edge of the box.
After a commanding win which extends Brazil`s current unbeaten run, coach Menezes will be satisfied with his side and pleased with Kaka`s contribution on his comeback to the international stage.
Goal.com
First Published: Friday, October 12, 2012, 09:30