Brazil, who are already assured of a place in the second round, turned on the style to
thrash Costa Rica 5-2 in their final World Cup Group C game here on Thursday.
With a 100 percent record to top the group, the four-times world champions face runners-up of Group H in Kobe, Japan on Monday.
"The feeling is good to finish the top of the group with a 100 percent record," said Brazilian coach Luiz Feilipe Scolari.
In another Group C match, Turkey's 3-0 win over China moved them into the last 16, knocking out Costa Rica on goal difference to take on winners of Group H in Miyagi, Japan on Tuesday.
While both Turkey and Costa Rica ended the group with four points, Turkey had a better goal difference of two goals to Costa Rica's -1, sending the Central Americans home.
Despite resting Ronaldinho due to booking concerns and injured left-back Roberto Carlos, Brazil fired a warning to opponents that they had an abundance of talents in reserve. They put the match beyond doubt with three strikes early in first half before Costa Rica seemed likely to salvage a draw with two goals.
Brazil took the lead nine minutes after kickoff thanks to an own goal by Costa Rican defender Luis Marin.
Striker Ronaldo, in a goalmouth scramble with two defenders, poked home the ball deflecting off Marin.
But the former World Player of the Year had a goal under his account soon in the 13th minute, driving a low shot past goalkeeper Erick Lonnis after a Rivaldo corner fell to his feet.
Defender Edmilson made it 3-0 with a brilliant bicycle kick on 38 minutes.
Costa Rica, needing a draw to qualify for the knock-out stage, pulled one back barely one minute later. Star forward Paulo Wanchope netted after playing a quick one-two with Mauricio Wright.
On the stroke of halftime Rivaldo went close to scoring but his freekick hit the post.
Earlier, the Barcelona star wasted a good chance when he blasted high over the crossbar a pinpoint cross from Ronaldo.
Costa Rica cut the deficit to one goal in the 56th minute, rekindling their hopes of a draw against such a vastly strong side.
Substitute Steven Bryce's cross from the right found unmarked Ronald Gomez who buried a close-range header past goalie Marcos.
But a neat finish from Rivaldo six minutes later sank all the hopes of the Ticos and Junior then swept home a fifth a minute later to seal the victory.
Seven minutes from the end Junior was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a terrible tackle by Wilmer Lopez from behind.
The Ticos carved out a lot of chances in the dying moments, but they could never find the net again, guilty of poor finishing.
Editor: May
Source: Xinhua
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