As if having to face the four-time World Cup champions wasn't daunting enough, China could only watch in horror as Brazil came out with what seemed like extra gas in their legs, scoring three of their four goals before the first-half whistle was even blown. Robert Carlos scored the first goal at the 15-minute mark with a missile that caught the mid-left corner of the net from a free kick 25 metres out. Even the long arms of China goalkeeper Jin Jiang, nicknamed the "Giant" at 1.98 m in height, the tallest player at this year's World Cup, could not prevent the shot from going in.

The parade of goals for Brazil then began, as Rivaldo, who was fined US$7,350 for a disgraceful display of feigning injury in the team's first match against Turkey, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo scored at the 32-, 45- and 55-minute marks, respectively, to make it 4-0.

China has found many sympathetic supporters among Koreans during the World Cup -- this match being no different -- as the soccer program in the world's most populous country is still in its developing stages, which was the case with South Korea's national program only a few years back.

Brazil, who are all but guaranteed a spot in the second round perched atop Group C, next faces Costa Rica on June 13, while China, all but eliminated from the tournament with two losses, will take on Turkey the same day. (Glen Choi, glen@chosun.com )