Brazil defeats Chile 3-0, Robinho scores hattrick

Robinho leads his team to victory and becomes the tournament's top scorer


Robinho scored a hat-trick as Brazil ran out 3-0 winners over Chile, but the Samba Boys were far from impressive in their second match in Group B.


After suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat to Mexico, Brazil were in danger of an early elimination.

They were nervy throughout and could have dropped points again had it not been for an inspirational performance from Robinho, who scored a penalty in the first half and two stunning late goals.

Brazil enjoyed a lot of possession in the early stages but struggled to break down Chile's well-organised backline.

Robinho produced one or two moments of imagination but Manchester United new boy Anderson, promoted to the starting line-up, failed to shine.


Chile gradually grew in confidence and had the first good opportunity of the game when Mark Gonzalez headed wide from close range.

However, disaster struck for Chile in the 36th minute when Miguel Riffo needlessly gave away a penalty for a push on Robinho.

Everyone on the Chile bench was incensed by the referee's decision and their anguish grew when Robinho's poor spot-kick somehow squirmed underneath Claudio Bravo.

The start of the second half was delayed by several minutes as repairs were carried out to a minuscule part of the net at the other end, with eight people required to finally tie the material back onto the crossbar.

Wagner Love almost doubled Brazil's lead with a powerful shot moments after the restart but the defending Copa America champions continued to find life difficult for the rest of the match.

Humberto Suazo came within inches of equalising as his free-kick grazed the top of the bar after 57 minutes, and he later danced round Brazil keeper Doni but was unable to beat the defenders who had rushed back to cover the goalline.

Brazil were finally given some breathing space six minutes time when Robinho delightfully lifted a shot over Bravo following good work from Love.

Robinho completed his hat-trick with a superb solo goal after 87 minutes to give the scoreline a very flattering look.

3 - BRAZIL: Doni; Maicon (26', Dani Alves), Alex, Juan, Gilberto; Gilberto Silva, Mineiro, Elano (72', Josué), Anderson (46', Julio Baptista); Robinho & Vágner Love.
0 - CHILE: Claudio Bravo, Alvaro Ormeño, Pablo Contreras, Gonzalo Jara (46', Juan Lorca), Miguel Riffo (54', Jorge Vargas), Ismael Fuentes; Arturo Sanhueza, Rodrigo Meléndez, Mark González, Jorge Valdivia; & Humberto Suazo.
GOALS:
1-0, 36': Robinho, from a penalty.
2-0, 83' Robinho.
3-0, 87': Robinho.
REFEREE: Carlos Torres (Paraguayan). Booked Jara (24'), Suazo (30'), Vargas (35'), Iturra (74'), Gilberto (40'), Mineiro (48') & Robinho (65').
HIGHLIGHTS: Matchday 2 fixture of Group B of the Copa America held in Venezuela. Venue: Monumental Stadium, Maturín. Attendance: 50,000.