South America giants Brazil thrashed neighbors Costa Rica 5-0 in the U-20 World Cup on Sunday, to leave no doubts over their credentials as title contenders. Alan Kardec broke the deadlock after 24 minutes after heading a corner-kick into the top corner. Giuliano outran his marker five minutes past the half-hour mark to chip over the keeper, and Kardec completed a brace on 44 minutes from close range. The three-goal cushion wasn't satisfying enough for the Samba Dancers, who kept looking for more goals after the interval. Douglas had a shot denied by the post, but Alex Texeira notched a fourth on the rebound 15 minutes from time.
Substitute Boquita completed the route with a superb long-range shot that hit the roof of the net. Elsewhere, Czech Republic beat Australia 2-1 to keep pace with Brazil on top of Group E. Michael Rabusic fired Czech in front when he rose to nod home a Martin Zeman free-kick. Tomas Pekhart doubled the lead upon converting a spot kick one minute from time. Seconds later, the referee signaled for a penalty kick for the other side, from which James Holland reduced the arrears.
