Brazil 6-0 Iraq: Kaka strikes on international return as Selecao romp to victory

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.