Brazil roll on and roll off Japan in Confederations Cup opener

Outside the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia, police reportedly used tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets on protesters who feel the 2014 World Cup to be a burden on taxpayers who are then priced out of the showcase football event.

Inside the venue, FIFA president Sepp Blatter was announced to a crescendo of boos and his address was nearly drowned out by vociferous hecklers.

It seemed like business as usual once Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca blew the final whistle though.

Brazil’s new superstar, 21-year-old Barcelona recruit Neymar, opened the scoring against Japan with a stunning strike in the third minute while Paulinho and substitute Jo scored three minutes into the second half and three minutes into stoppage time respectively. Three’s company.

Photo: Brazil's Neymar (left) and Oscar showed that the "Selecao" is still producing gifted players.
Photo: Brazil’s Neymar (left) and Oscar showed that the “Selecao” is still producing gifted players.

Brazil is going after an unprecedented third successive Confederations Cup crown. Spain, Uruguay, Italy and Mexico, all of whom play today, might have something to say about that.

Mexico plays Italy from 3 pm in Rio de Janeiro while Spain tackles Uruguay from 6 pm in Recife.

 

Editor’s note: Follow the Confederations Cup action live on DIRECTV by clicking here

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