Forward Luis Fabiano's hat trick powered Brazil to its biggest win over Portugal, a 6-2 thrashing in a friendly on Wednesday.

The win was a reprieve for embattled Brazil coach Dunga, whose team had been held scoreless in three consecutive home games in World Cup qualifying.

Robinho celebrates after teammate Elano scores Brazil's fifth goal against Portugal during their friendly match in Brasilia on Wednesday. [Reuters]

The game lined up Brazil's Kaka against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, and while Kaka orchestrated many of Brazil's attacks, the Portuguese star did little in his team's offense at Bezerrao Stadium outside Brasilia.

Portugal gave the home side a scare when Danny scored four minutes in, but Luis Fabiano evened the score four minutes later on a brilliant play by Robinho, who stole the ball from Portugal's Pepe, broke down the left, and dished an impeccable pass.

In the 24th minute the rout began when Kaka escaped two defenders and his right cross was converted by Luis Fabiano.

Ten minutes into the second spell, Maicon made it 3-1 finding a gap with a drive between the left post and goalkeeper Quim, and two minutes after that Luis Fabiano completed his hat trick when he knocked home a rebound from a save by Quim.

Simao Sabrosa halved the deficit with Portugal's second goal, but Elano extended the lead three minutes after that with a superb goal that deceived Quim.

Luis Fabiano was replaced by Adriano, who capped the night by heading in the last goal set up by another substitute, Marcelo.

Honduras advance

Honduras defeated Mexico 1-0 with the help of an own goal on a waterlogged field Wednesday to advance in 2010 World Cup qualifying at the expense of Jamaica.

Jamaica defeated Canada 3-0 but it wasn't enough to put them through to the next round of qualifying in the North, Central America and Caribbean Zone.

Mexico also advanced to the final round despite the loss to Honduras, who were battling for one of the three spots up for grabs on Wednesday.

The United States, Costa Rica and El Salvador had already clinched their berths.

"We showed our quality tonight," said Honduras' David Suazo. "We proved that Honduras belongs at this level and in the final round.

"Now I think it's time for the Mexican team to speak well of Honduran football. I think they would be able to talk all week about it."

Trinidad and Tobago grabbed the final spot Wednesday with a 3-0 blanking of Cuba to vault past Guatemala who lost 2-0 to the US and finished second in Group 1.

(Agencies via China Daily November 21, 2008)