Football: Brazil give Venables' side a lesson

Ronaldo and Romario each scored a hat-trick as Brazil demolished 10-man Australia 6-0 in the Confederations Cup final in Riyadh.

The world champions gave notice of their awesome attacking power ahead of next year's World Cup in a match that degenerated into a one-sided exhibition after Australia's Mark Viduka was sent off for a tackle on the wing-back Cafu midway through the first half.

The Socceroos, despite failing to make the World Cup finals, had lost only once under Terry Venables yesterday in 18 matches and had drawn 0- 0 with Brazil earlier in the tournament.

Yesterday Brazil set about avenging that hiccup with a vengeance. Aston Villa's Mark Bosnich had already made a string of good saves before Ronaldo knocked in Denilson's return pass from six yards in the 15th minute.

After Viduka's departure, Brazil went to town, opening a 3-0 lead before half-time with another goal by Ronaldo, from Juninho's precise lobbed pass, and the first from Romario, who was allowed time in the six-yard box to chest down a cross in from the right flank before scuffing the ball into the net.

After the interval, Brazil put on a show and exposed the inexperience of Venables' Australian side.