Brazil 3-0 Chile
Monday, 2 July 2007 09:07Robinho scored a hat-trick as Brazil kept their Copa America hopes alive with a 3-0 victory over Chile in Maturin on Sunday evening.
After losing their opening game to Mexico, Dunga's side bounced thanks to the Real Madrid star, but only made sure of the points late in the game.
The Brazilians took the lead after 35 minutes when Miguel Riffo was adjudged to have fouled Robinho in the box and the striker despatched the resulting penalty past Claudio Bravo despite the goalkeeper's best efforts.
Chile wasted opportunities to equalise and were not helped by the fact coach Nelson Acosta was forced to replace injured duo Rodrigo Melendez and Riffo, while Brazil midfielder Elano was also forced out of the contest.
However, Brazil wrapped up the game on 83 minutes when Vagner Love fed Robinho and the 23-year-old clinically beat Bravo.
Four minutes later, Robinho eluded three Chile defenders to complete his treble and draw level with Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz as the tournament's top-scorer.
Both sides finish their Group B campaigns on Wednesday in Puerto La Cruz as Brazil meet Ecuador and Chile play Mexico.
