LUKA PETRINEC / AIPS* in ABU DHABI: An impressive second-half display by Brazil was too much for Russia in the duel of previous champions in the second round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 in Abu Dhabi.

Brazil entered the game short of energy and a highly-motivated Russian team tried to take advantage.

However it was Brazil who produced the first threats to goal after half an hour. Russia goalkeeper Anton Mitryushkin made a fine save to a header from Danilo after a corner in the 31st. Then Danilo threatened again in 37th minute with a 25m free kick which flew just above the crossbar.

In the second half Brazil increased the pressure. In two minutes they created three promising chances to score but first Mosquito then Caio and Danilo were off target before Caio saw a shot diverted for a corner after being blocked by a mass of Russian defenders.

In the 69th minute the European champions were reduced to 10 players after Dmitriy Barinov clattered into Brazilian defenders Auro. Brazil capitalised inside three mintes when Mosquito scored his fourth goal in this tournament.

Confirmation of a place in the quarter-finals  was secured by Boschilia  with the first of his two late goals which sandwiched a Russian consoltaion from their best player in Aleksandr Makarov.

Boschilia has scored six goals in four games and now has Mexico in his sights.

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* AIPS, the international sports journalists association, is running a Young Reporters course at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 with the support of the local organising committee and FIFA

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