FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.11.2008 09:24

Mexico lose while Brazil ease to victory

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Despite losing to Honduras on Wednesday, Rafa Márquez’s Mexico qualified for the to the final round of qualifying in the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone, while Dani Alves appeared for Brazil in their emphatic victory over Portugal.

Mexico and Brazil were the last two teams that included Blaugrana stars in their line-ups to play in midweek. For the former there was a sweet and sour outcome as they were beaten 1-0 by Honduras but still managed to make it through to the last stage of the World Cup qualifying process. Sven Gorän Eriksson’s team made it after Jamaica failed to beat Canada by enough goals, winning just 3-0.

Márquez plays for 90 minutes

Márquez played for the full 90 minutes against Honduras and performed well. The only goal of the game, which took place in pouring rain, was an own goal scored by Ricardo Osorio in the 51st minute. Mexico, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Costa Rica and El Salvador will all participate in the next phase with the top three going to South Africa and the fourth place taking on the team that finishes fifth in the South American qualifiers.

Alves helps Brazil to victory (6-2)

Brazil put on a spectacle in the Walmir Campello de Bezerra as they eased to a 6-2 victory against Portugal. After 19 years without beating the Portuguese they did so in style on Wednesday as both sides went out looking to score goals and win the game. Luis Fabiano starred as he netted a hat-trick while Maicon, Elano and Adriano all scored, while Danny and Simão replied for the visitors. Dani Alves went on as a substitute in the 77th minute when he replaced Maicon.