QINHUANGDAO // Ronaldinho scored twice as Brazil strolled to a 5-0 win over New Zealand, while a delightful goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi gave Argentina a late win over a stubborn Australia side. The wins left the South American pair with six points from two games in their respective groups and guaranteed both a quarter-final place with a match to spare. African pair Cameroon and Nigeria won for the first time, Cameroon beating Honduras 1-0 thanks to a blunder by goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez and Nigeria overcoming Japan 2-1.
Argentina, with Juan Roman Riquelme controlling the midfield and Lionel Messi tormenting the Australia defence, dominated their game but failed to convert a string of chances. They finally broke through in the 78th minute when a series of quick passes ended with Angel Di Maria floating the ball across to the far post, where Lavezzi sidefooted home a first-time shot. New Zealand, facing Brazil with a team mainly made up of university students, were quickly in trouble when they fell behind to an Anderson goal after three minutes before Alexandro Pato headed a second just after the half-hour.
Ronaldinho added a third with a free kick which found its way through the entire New Zealand defence in the 55th minute, then won and converted a penalty six minutes later. Rafael Sobis completed the scoring in the Group C game. Midfielder Stephane Mbia gave Cameroon their win over pointless Honduras in Group D when a weak, low shot from outside the area caught Hernandez off his guard and rolled into the net in the 74th minute.
Second half goals from Victor Obinna and Victor Anichebe put Nigeria in control against Japan, who replied through Yohei Toyoda in the Group B game. *Reuters
