Goals from Chelsea midfielder Oscar, Lazio's Hernanes and Lucas Moura from the spot saw Brazil beat France 3-0 Sunday to ensure the French ended their brief trip to South America without a win or a goal. Having drawn with England 2-2 at the official unveiling of the refurbished Maracana stadium, Brazil prepared to host the Confederations Cup in style with a comfortable victory.
For France it was more disappointment following their 1-0 reverse against Uruguay four days earlier. The result was no more than Brazil deserved in a match in which they were far the better side against limited opponents with limited ambition. "There was no photo (finish), we tried to fight in the first half but we were dominated," said France striker Karim Benzema. "It's tough losing 3-0. We tried in the first half, we didn't score and little by little, we collapsed."
Brazil were typically dominant but struggled to find a finishing touch in the first half. Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk was dangerous down the right and on one occasion cut inside on to his favourite left foot but blazed over. New Barcelona signing Neymar used his tricks and speed to dazzle the visiting defence but he was wayward with his finishing, sending a free-kick straight into the wall before too clearing the bar with another effort.