Brazil ease past Niger, finish the group unbeaten

Brazil lived up to their billing as favourites of the tournament after topping the group following a convincing 2-0 victory over Niger at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Goa on Friday.

The three-times champions, who dominated most of the game held off a spirited Niger outfit scoring through Lincoln (4th minute) and Brenner (34th).

Debutants Niger gave a good account of themselves and performed better in the second half having their fair share of chances, but the World Cup first-timers couldn't get past Gabriel Brazao in goal.

Brazil topped the group with nine points, while Spain, who beat North Korea at Kochi in the day's other match, finished second in the group with six points.

Niger, third in the group still have a chance to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Brazil started the game with speed and skill taking an early lead in the fourth minute. Midfielder Victor Bobsin, from the right, initiated the move passing it to Paulino, who ran down the right flank to beat the rival defence with a low cross. Lincoln, who was lurking in the danger zone, deftly placed the ball into the back of the net.

Lincoln - who has scored in all group games now -- had another chance two minutes later, but was unlucky to see his header hit the bar.

Brazil kept on the pressure with the Niger keeper having to make a diving save from Marcos Antonio's midway into the first half. The goal came in the 34th minute with the help of a deflection. Brenner's 20-yard free kick, took a huge deflection wrong footing the keeper as the ball slowly tricked in to give Brazil a two goal cushion at half-time.

Niger surprised Brazil with more possession and chances created at the beginning of the second half. With 20 minutes to go, it was Niger who looked most likely to create some goal-mouth action but Brazil were firm in defence.

The game finished with a barrage of fouls from either team as Brazil held on to finish the group stages unbeaten.