Zimbabwe’s controversial ruler Robert Mugabe was among the 60,000 fans that turned out for the country’s friendly against World Cup-bound Brazil at the National Stadium in Harare yesterday.
Brazil got off to a slow start and almost went a goal down when Ovidy Karuru found himself with the goal gaping on 19 minutes.
However, he missed his chance to get his name into the annals of Zimbabwean sporting history, blasting his shot over the bar.
However, Brazil soon clicked into gear and scored their first when Bastos opened his national scoring account with a free-kick from 20 yards.
Robinho ran on to a long ball from Maicon and finished first time inside the area to make it 2-0 shortly afterwards.
Elano netted a third in the second half, getting onto the end of a cross from substitute Daniel Alves.
Brazil played a near full strength team, but the match, particularly in the later stages, looked a lot like a training game
“It was a sensational feeling,” said Bastos of his opener. “I was able to take advantage of the chance I had. The World Cup starts today for me.”
