Mexico through as Brazil keep hopes alive
Robinho looked in good form
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Monday, 02, Jul 2007 08:52
A hat-trick from Robinho kept Brazil's hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Copa America alive with a 3-0 win over Chile.
Meanwhile Mexico became the first side to reach the next stage after their second successive win in the competition, a 2-1 victory over Ecuador, saw them through to the last-eight.
Mexico, who were surprise 2-0 winners in the opening match of the group against Brazil, went ahead through Nery Castillo, who also scored in the opening victory.
And when Omar Bravo scored with a bullet header in the 80th minute, the Central Americans sealed their passage into the next round. Edison Mendez's late reply for Ecuador was no more than a consolation goal.
New Brazil coach Dunga remains under some pressure however, as the Copa America holders still need to win their final group match against Ecuador, who reached the second round of the World Cup last summer, to book their place in the last-eight.
The victory over a decent Chilean side, who beat Ecuador 3-2 in their opening game, has gone some way to restoring Brazilian fans' confidence in the coach.
Striker Robinho opened the scoring from the spot after a dubious penalty was awarded, apparently for pushing at the near post, in the 36th minute.
Brazil weathered a storm from a fired-up Chile team after the interval but more two late goals from the diminutive Real Madrid forward put the result beyond doubt.
The first, a delicate chip over Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, sparked wild celebrations. The second was a sheer demonstration of the quality Robinho possesses as he took the ball from just inside the opposition's half, dribbled past two defenders and slotted home from 20 yards.
A win for Brazil against bottom-of-the-table Ecuador will guarantee them a place in the next round, but anything less than a win will enable Chile to progress with victory over Mexico.