Soccer-Copa-Brazil thrash Chile to reach semis

PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela, July 8 (Reuters) Brazil thrashed Chile 6-1 in their Copa America quarter-final yesterday, with Robinho scoring twice to take his haul in the tournament to six.

Brazil took control with three goals in a 13-minute spell in the first half to set up a semi-final against old rivals Uruguay in Maracaibo on Tuesday.

Chile, hit by reports of alleged indiscipline by some of their players at the team hotel, appeared to have little stomach for the fight as they lost to Brazil for the second time in the tournament.

Earlier yesterday, the Chilean federation said they would take action over the incident when the team returned home.

Brazil, themselves under fire for lacklustre performances in the group stage, went ahead in the 15th minute when Juan rose unchallenged in a crowded penalty to head in from a corner at the far post.

Julio Baptista and Robinho added two more before the half hour as Brazil equalled their 3-0 win over the same opponents in the group stage.

Mark Gonzalez had Chile's best first-half effort when he rifled a 30-metre drive against the crossbar but it was only a brief interlude before Brazil restored their dominance.

Six minutes into the second half, Gilberto's cross from the left evaded the Chile defence and Robinho tapped in at the far post..

Midfielder Josue then notched his first goal for Brazil in the 69th minute to make it 5-0.

Chile's consolation was also the best goal of the game as Humberto Suazo flicked the ball through Gilberto's legs and scored with a delicate chip over Doni in the 76th minute.

Vagner Love completed the scoring 10 minutes later after a one-two with Elano.

REUTERS BJR RN1443