Soccer: Brazil dance on England's dream

England's World Cup dream ended last night as the Brazilians samba-ed their way into the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory.

The four-time champions are now favourites to go all the way.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was a contented man, saying: "I have a feeling of happiness and of a job well done."

But for England manager Sven Goran Eriksson it was regret: "I hoped we would have done a little bit better when we played 11 against 10 but it was too late and we were tired.

"Brazil were very good at keeping the ball. We could maybe have done better today. It was a great pity."

Across England his sentiments were mirrored a millionfold as fans crammed into pubs faced the cold, hard light of day. Half a world away, the New Zealand chapter of the Barmy Army filed out into Auckland's damp streets singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

Brazilian fans, many wearing the yellow and green colours, spilled onto Karangahape Rd. They might be one of New Zealand's smallest minority groups - the last Census counted just 930 Brazilians here against 190,000 from England - but last night they were ready to revel.

Student Maria Menezes said she was "happy, happy, happy".

Cesar Frey said the win against England opened the way for the Brazilians to capture their fifth World Cup. "After England it's easier. I think we can win it all now."

But outside the Mad Dogs and Englishmen pub in Albert St, disconsolate backpacker Katie Marriner said: "I'm absolutely gutted. I definitely thought we had a good chance."

While most fans took the loss with good grace, there was the odd pocket of resistance. English-born Chris Dixon said Brazil won because of a fluke goal.

- REUTERS

Soccer: England out after 1-2 loss to Brazil

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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