Brazil turn the corner with Juninho

Juninho can do Brazil what he has largely failed to do for Middlesbrough, namely score - and direct from a corner to boot.

The striker found his touch against Peru in an international Olympic qualifying tournament in Tandil, Argentina, on Sunday and set them on the way to a 4-1 win.

It was not easy for the young Brazilians. They were trailing to a Jean Ferrari goal in the 25th minute when Juninho stepped up to take a 41st- minute corner on the left wing. Was it meant as an inswinging cross or did he spot Frank Villanueva, the Peruvian goalkeeper, off his line? Juninho was not telling, but, helped by a strong wind, his curling cross embarrassed Villanueva and Brazil were level.

Oddly enough, neither Juninho, nor Villanueva were on the field as the Brazilians picked up steam in the second half. The goalkeeper was substituted at half-time. Juninho played only part of the second period before being rested in favour of Beto.

After being brought down in the box from a Beto pass, Savio, the Flamengo striker, made it 2-1 from the spot in the 79th minute, added another five minutes later and laid on another for Jamelli a minute from the end.