By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Kaká and Oscar combined well for Brazil yesterday as the Seleção easily brushed aside a feeble Iraqi side 6-0 in Malmo, Sweden. Kaká was making his first appearance for Brazil since the 2010 World Cup and left the pitch to a standing ovation after getting on the scoresheet; Oscar bagged a brace.
Neymar, Lucas and Hulk also hit the back of the net during an afternoon which proved little more than a training exercise for the Brazilians. The scoreline was a shock for no one in a complete mismatch on the pitch.
Iraq are currently ranked 80th in the FIFA rankings and barely provided any resistance as their more accomplished opponents read them the riot act from first whistle to last. The match, despite the result, will have shown coach Mano Menezes nothing that he could not have garnered prior to kick-off.
Brazil’s final friendly before the turn of the year will be against Colombia, in New Jersey, U.S., next month. Brazil must hope they are given a sterner test as the team looks to prepare itself for the 2014 World Cup on home soil, where nothing less than lifting the trophy will satisfy the public.
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