Next World Cup hosts Brazil breezed past reigning Asian champions Japan 4-0 in a friendly in Poland yesterday with two goals from Neymar and one each from Paulinho and Kaka.
Corinthians young midfielder Paulinho beat Japan’s keeper Eiji Kawashima 12 minutes into the game with a low shot from 20 metres.
Santos striker Neymar then put Brazil two goals ahead in the 26th minute, blasting home a penalty awarded after Yasuyuki Konno took down Kaka in the box.
He added another goal just after the break with a weak shot deflected into the net by the Japanese defence.
And Kaka made it 4-0 in the 76th minute, bearing down on Kawas-hima before unleashing a left-foot shot.
Kaka was playing only his second international since Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – having netted last week on his comeback against Iraq.
Both teams came to Wroclaw following wins in friendlies last week.
Brazil crushed Iraq 6-0 in Malmo, Sweden, last Thursday, while Japan stunned France 1-0 in Paris on Friday.
Brazil have already qualified to the 2014 World Cup as hosts, while Japan are aiming for a fifth straight World Cup since their debut at France 1998.
The loss in Wroclaw yesterday leaves Japan still dreaming of their first-ever victory over the Brazilian national team at full international level.