Sao Paulo defeats spirited Kerala XI

Kochi, Feb 7 (UNI) Brazil's Sao Paulo Club today earned a hard-won victory in their match against Kerala XI as the hosts played a spirited game to restrict the South American team to a three-goal margin in the Super Soccer series here.

All the three goals were scored in the second half after Kerala thwarted the right-flank attacks led by mid fielders Hernanes and captain Marco Antonio in the first half.

The duo of Marco and Hernanes combined well to score the first goal in the sixth minute of the second half.

The pass from Hernanes was struck with precision by the captain from just outside the box to draw the first blood.

Hernanes was also instrumental in the second goal as mid fielder Da Silva disturbed the network in the 19th minute.

In the first half the Kerala team showed lot of character within their limitation as the defenders and mid fielders managed to keep at bay the Sao Paulo attacks.

Kerala team had a golden opportunity in the 28th minute of the first half to take lead when striker Baba Thunde launched a right flank burst to the surprise of the Brazilian defenders but Kerala captain Abdul Hakeem would not capitalise on the cross from Thunde.

In the 30th minute, the South Americans could have scored as an attempt by defender Carlinhos hit the woodwork of the goal post.

The third goal for Sao Paulo came in the 40th minute of the second half when a rebound from goalkeeper Renjith was netted by Hernanes.

Sao Paulo has maintained a clean slate in Super Soccer 2007 by defeating East Bengal 3-0, Mohammedan Sporting 6-0 and Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the earlier matches.

The last match in the series will be played against JCT Phagwara in New Delhi on February 11.

UNI