WISSAM DEHBI / AIPS in ABU DHABI: It’s official: Brazil have qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 after thrashing their Emirati hosts 6-0 in Group B. They have scored 12 goals in their opening two matches.

Brazil, who have a game to spare in the mini league, launched the goals festival after only nine minutes when Mosquito and Nathan opened the way for Boschilia. UAE tried to respond and create some opportunities of their own but were largely outclassed.

The samba teenagers remained as hungry as ever for goals. Goalkeeper Mohamed Al Shamsi saved well from a powerful shot by Nathan in the 13th minute but conceded a second goal to Boschilia in the 33rd.

Nathan, scorer of two goals against Slovakia in Brazil’s opening game, added a third before half-time.

A halftime substitution by the UAE made little difference and Brazil doubled their advantage with further strikes from Nathan (66min), Joanderson (73) and Gabriel (84).

A late consolation, to provide the few UAE fans something to cheer, came in the form of an 88th minute goal by Zayed Alameri.

* AIPSMedia.com, the international sports journalists association, is running a Young Reporters course in UAE with the support of the local organising committee and FIFA

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