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BRASILIA- Forward Luis Fabiano's hat trick powered Brazil to its biggest win over Portugal, a 6-2 thrashing in a friendly on Wednesday.
The win was a reprieve for embattled Brazil coach Dunga, whose team had been held scoreless in three consecutive home games in World Cup qualifying.
The game lined up Brazil's Kaka against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, and while Kaka orchestrated many of Brazil's attacks, the Portuguese star did little in his team's offense at Bezerrao Stadium outside Brasilia.
Portugal gave the home side a scare when Danny scored four minutes in, but Luis Fabiano evened the score four minutes later on a brilliant play by Robhino, who stole the ball from Portugal's Pepe, broke down the left, and dished an impeccable pass.
In the 24th minute the rout began when Kaka escaped two defenders and his right cross was converted by Luis Fabiano.
Ten minutes into the second spell, Maicon made it 3-1 finding a gap with a drive between the left post and goalkeeper Quim, and two minutes after that Luis Fabiano completed his hat trick when he knocked home a rebound from a save by Quim.
Simao Sabrosa halved the deficit with Portugal's second goal, but Elano extended the lead three minutes after that with a superb goal that deceived Quim.
Luis Fabiano was replaced by Adriano, who capped the night by heading in the last goal set up by another substitute, Marcelo.
Lineups:
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon (Daniel Alves, 78), Thiago Silva, Luisao, Kleber (Marcelo, 81), Gilberto Silva, Anderson (Josue, 79), Elano (Mancini, 76), Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano (Adriano, 67).
Portugal: Quim, Bosinqwa, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Paulo Ferreira, Danny, Maniche (Cesar Peixoto, 84), Tiago (Raul Meireles, 46), Deco (Joao Moutinho, 67), Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa (Hugo Almeida, 77).
- AP
