NEW YORK — Lackluster Brazil beat Costa Rica 1-0 in New Jersey Saturday but the revamped team of the five-time world champion failed to impress in its penultimate friendly before next month's World Cup qualifiers. Zenit St. Petersburg striker Hulk scored after nine minutes when he muscled his way past a defender and fired home from 12 meters.
Hulk started for the first time since enduring a disappointing World Cup last year while coach Dunga gave debuts to Gremio goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe and Santos midfielder Lucas Lima.
Only two players remained from the side that lost the Copa America quarterfinal to Paraguay in July.
Brazil dominated the first half and David Luiz almost gave them the lead after five minutes, shooting straight at the keeper when it looked easier to score.
Dunga's team could not build on the Hulk goal and neither team looked particularly menacing for the remainder of an uneventful first period. “It was great. I was proud to be back after eight months and feeling the warmth of the fans here was special,” Kaka said. “I feel I can contribute a lot in the short and medium term. I've played in two World Cup qualifiers and if Dunga wants me I have plenty to offer.”
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez scored in the 82nd minute as Chile beat an under-strength Paraguay 3-2 Saturday, in its first match after winning their first Copa America in July.
Chile took the lead after seven minutes when a defensive blunder from a Paraguayan player allowed Felipe Gutierrez to beat goalie Anthony Silva.
Paraguay looked renewed during the second half with Jonathan Fabbro and Jorge Benite scoring within two minutes of each other before Chile's Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia, however, became more influential on the match.
Gutierrez then scored his second goal after a Mauricio Isla cross before Sanchez sealed the win in the final 10 minutes. — Agencies
