By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Seleção, Brazil’s national football (soccer) team thrashed fellow South Americans Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly game yesterday afternoon in the Ramon Aguilleira stadium. A brace from Neymar helped the Brazilians to an easy win, a first victory for Luiz Felipe Scolari in his second spell as national team coach.
The match was played in homage to Kevin Beltrán Espada, who died during the São José vs Corinthians Copa Libertadores tie on February 20th after fighting between the two sets of supporters.
The Brazilian side only selected players based in their homeland and a brace from Santos striker Neymar helped the Seleção on their way.
Three of the goals arrived before the half-time interval, effectively settling the contest. A close range finish from Leandro Damião, followed by a brisk pair from Neymar, before Leandro added a fourth in injury-time.
On the 24th, the Brazilians will face a more stringent test in the face of the Chilean national side. In the meantime, the coaching and playing staff can bask in a job efficiently done as they prepare for the Confederations Cup in June.
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