Scotland 0, Brazil 4

BRAZIL'S emerging stars handed Scotland a footballing lesson last

night as they swept into the final of the Toulon Under-21 tournament.

There was never the remotest chance that the Scots would record a

first victory over the South Americans on the international stage.

Scotland were sunk by two superb goals within the opening 18 minutes

as Brazil emphatically demonstrated that the successors to the reigning

world champions are waiting in the wings.

The gulf between the two nations was repeatedly underlined as the

Brazilians went through their entire range of mesmerising skills at Le

Pontet. By contrast the Scots were rarely allowed to threaten.

Strikers Caico and Leonardo along with playmaker Juninho, all destined

to become major talents, led the slaughter and Scotland coach Craig

Brown was there to witness the task which confronts him as he attempts

to catch up with the world's best.

The Scots best chance came after six minutes when Dundee striker Jim

Hamilton, making his first appearance in the event, was fouled on the

edge of the area.

Clyde midfield player Martin O'Neill found Doug Freedman with the

free-kick but the unmarked Barnet striker headed wide from eight yards.

Scotland paid the price for that miss four minutes later when Leonardo

exploited slack marking to release his Internacional team-mate, Caico,

who exploded a 25-yard drive beyond keeper Derek Stillie.

The South Americans added another after 18 minutes when the Scots were

unable to clear a corner and Juninho turned Hannah before delivering an

incredible 18-yard drive into the top corner of the net from the

tightest of angles.

Manager Tommy Craig switched Jamie Fullarton to left back and pushed

Stuart Gray into midfield to try and contain the menace of Leonardo.

But by then the damage had been done and just before the interval

Juninho flashed a 40-yard free-kick narrowly past the near post.

Colin McDonald and Steve Crawford replaced Stephen Glass and Freedman

after the break but there was no stopping the boys from Brazil. In 58

minutes Caico ripped apart the Scots defence to set up Leonardo for the

third goal.

Almost immediately Celtic's Brian McLaughlin replaced Jamie Fullarton

but still the South Americans reigned supreme.

That domination threatened to become a rout when a thrilling run on

the right by Leonardo ended with Fulham defender Duncan Jupp turning the

ball past his keeper for an own goal which ended Scotland's night of

agony.

Later, Craig praised the Brazilian performance as the best he had seen

at under-21 level and he called for everyone involved in the Scottish

game to learn from the brilliant Brazilians.

''They play this game with smiles on their faces. That is what makes

them different from anyone else in the world.

''Not only do they possess individual brilliance but they also have a

collective genius. When you put the two together it is quite

frightening.

''I am delighted we got this opportunity to play Brazil and my players

will learn from this game.''

Brazil, who have not lost a goal in the tournament, meet France in

tomorrow night's final after the host nation had beaten England 2-0 in

the other semi-final.

SCOTLAND -- Stillie (Aberdeen), Jupp (Fulham), Pressley (Coventry),

Dailly (Dundee United), Gray (Celtic), O'Neill (Clyde), Hannah (Dundee

United), Fullarton (St Mirren), Glass (Aberdeen); Hamilton (Dundee),

Freedman (Barnet).