Scotland 0, Brazil 4
BRAZIL'S emerging stars handed Scotland a footballing lesson last
night as they swept into the final of the Toulon Under-21 tournament.
There was never the remotest chance that the Scots would record a
first victory over the South Americans on the international stage.
Scotland were sunk by two superb goals within the opening 18 minutes
as Brazil emphatically demonstrated that the successors to the reigning
world champions are waiting in the wings.
The gulf between the two nations was repeatedly underlined as the
Brazilians went through their entire range of mesmerising skills at Le
Pontet. By contrast the Scots were rarely allowed to threaten.
Strikers Caico and Leonardo along with playmaker Juninho, all destined
to become major talents, led the slaughter and Scotland coach Craig
Brown was there to witness the task which confronts him as he attempts
to catch up with the world's best.
The Scots best chance came after six minutes when Dundee striker Jim
Hamilton, making his first appearance in the event, was fouled on the
edge of the area.
Clyde midfield player Martin O'Neill found Doug Freedman with the
free-kick but the unmarked Barnet striker headed wide from eight yards.
Scotland paid the price for that miss four minutes later when Leonardo
exploited slack marking to release his Internacional team-mate, Caico,
who exploded a 25-yard drive beyond keeper Derek Stillie.
The South Americans added another after 18 minutes when the Scots were
unable to clear a corner and Juninho turned Hannah before delivering an
incredible 18-yard drive into the top corner of the net from the
tightest of angles.
Manager Tommy Craig switched Jamie Fullarton to left back and pushed
Stuart Gray into midfield to try and contain the menace of Leonardo.
But by then the damage had been done and just before the interval
Juninho flashed a 40-yard free-kick narrowly past the near post.
Colin McDonald and Steve Crawford replaced Stephen Glass and Freedman
after the break but there was no stopping the boys from Brazil. In 58
minutes Caico ripped apart the Scots defence to set up Leonardo for the
third goal.
Almost immediately Celtic's Brian McLaughlin replaced Jamie Fullarton
but still the South Americans reigned supreme.
That domination threatened to become a rout when a thrilling run on
the right by Leonardo ended with Fulham defender Duncan Jupp turning the
ball past his keeper for an own goal which ended Scotland's night of
agony.
Later, Craig praised the Brazilian performance as the best he had seen
at under-21 level and he called for everyone involved in the Scottish
game to learn from the brilliant Brazilians.
''They play this game with smiles on their faces. That is what makes
them different from anyone else in the world.
''Not only do they possess individual brilliance but they also have a
collective genius. When you put the two together it is quite
frightening.
''I am delighted we got this opportunity to play Brazil and my players
will learn from this game.''
Brazil, who have not lost a goal in the tournament, meet France in
tomorrow night's final after the host nation had beaten England 2-0 in
the other semi-final.
SCOTLAND -- Stillie (Aberdeen), Jupp (Fulham), Pressley (Coventry),
Dailly (Dundee United), Gray (Celtic), O'Neill (Clyde), Hannah (Dundee
United), Fullarton (St Mirren), Glass (Aberdeen); Hamilton (Dundee),
Freedman (Barnet).
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