FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.06.2010 22:33

Alves through to quarterfinals (3-0)

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Alves and his Brazilian team-mates are through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after a comfortable 3-0 win against Chile. Alves played the full 90 minutes and contributed to Brazil’s clear attacking superiority.

Brazil were the better team right from the kick-off and never looked like slipping up against a modest Chile side. The goals came from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho. Brazil will now face Holland in the quarterfinals.

Half an hour of hope

For the opening half an hour Chile were able to entertain some hope of holding back the yellow and green tide until Juan scored in the 35th minute from Maicon’s cross. Just three minutes later Luis Fabiano seized on a pass from Kaka to make it 2-0 (min.38).

However, Chile continued to have the occasional half chance of their own and it took a third goal from Robinho in the 59th minute to put the result beyond any doubt. Brazil will now play Holland on Friday in Port Elizabeth.

Spain face tough test

Meanwhile, the reigning European champions will have to be at their best to overcome a talented Portugal side that doesn’t quite seem to have got into its stride despite the goal feast against North Korea in the group stage.

Once again Barca will be providing the backbone of a Spain side that has so far relied 100% on Barca goals – three from Villa and one from Iniesta. Goals may be hard to come by in this match as Portugal was the only team not to concede a single goal in the group stage.