A-League goes nuts for Brazilians

The boys from Brazil were a roaring success in the A-League's opening round - scoring, creating and stopping goals to signal how much of a force they will be in this season's competition.
The headline act - Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho - kicked things off on August 24 with flashes of brilliance in Sydney FC's 1-0 loss to Central Coast.
But the best performers were across the Tasman, with newcomers Wellington's three Brazilians Daniel, Felipe and Cleberson all starring in the Phoenix's gutsy 2-2 draw with A-League champions Melbourne Victory on August 26.
Daniel scored one goal and menaced the competition's benchmark side throughout, while substitute Felipe set up a goal and was a handful when unleashed from the bench in the final 20 minutes.
His influence helped the Phoenix fight back from 2-0 down to secure the draw - his first touch in Australasian soccer a sensational sideways backheel at pace to free a teammate on goal.
At the other end, giant centre-back Cleberson was a rock in defence for the Phoenix - his only blemish an early handball which gifted the Victory a penalty.
Of the 13 Brazilians signed to A-League clubs this season, eight played this weekend, while the Latin American flavour continued with Costa Rican midfielder Carlos Hernandez impressive for the Victory in an hour-long stint.
Newcastle resisted the temptation to give former Brazil international striker Mario Jardel a debut as he works to boost his fitness, leaving all eyes on 34-year-old ex-Atletico Madrid and Middlesbrough playmaker Juninho at Sydney FC.
Coach Branko Culina said Juninho, whose best moment came with a weaving first half run through the box which took him to the edge of goal, would be better for the run.
Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna suggested Juninho's presence would eventually be as important for the league as former Sydney FC star Dwight Yorke.
"Some of the flashes of brilliance he (Juninho) did out there was outstanding ... I think he skinned about three players in the box late in the first half," McKinna said.
"I think he's going to be exciting ... I think when he gets fully fit he's going to be a bonus to the league like Dwight Yorke was."
Queensland Roar midfielder Marcinho was another to impress with his creative skills in his side's exciting 2-2 draw with Adelaide United in Brisbane on August 25.
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