TALES AZZONI, Associated Press
June 18, 2006

MUNICH, Germany — Brazil again couldn't stage the show everyone has been expecting. And it still grabbed a spot in the second round with a shaky 2-0 win over Australia.

Adriano got the first goal in the 49th minute and the defending champions hung on. It was one goal more than the score Brazil beat Croatia by in its opener — but the South Americans were even less impressive this time.

Brazil advanced with its ninth consecutive World Cup victory. The five-time champion hasn't been eliminated in the first stage since the 1966 tournament.

Adriano used a left-footed shot from the top of the penalty area after clearing a defender. His low shot whipped past Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Adriano did the "rocking the baby" celebration along with the rest of the Brazilian players, dedicating the goal to his son Adriano Junior, who was born in Brazil on Friday.

Ronaldo, who improved slightly from his dismal performance in the opener, set up Adriano. But Ronaldo again was removed in the second half.

Reserve Fred, who came on for Adriano in the 88th, got the clinching goal a minute later on a rebound into an empty net.

"This is an incredible debut in the World Cup. I couldn't have expected something like this," Fred said. "I am going to give this ball as a present to my father."

The Brazilians were hoping to redeem themselves against Australia and prove they are still worthy of the hype surrounding their star-studded squad. But Brazil saw its "magic quartet" kept in check for the second straight game.

"The difficulties we have faced are caused not only by our kind of play, but also by the high quality of our rivals," Fred added. "They close very well in defense when we attack."

The Australians, playing in their first World Cup since 1974, gave Brazil fits for much of the second half, wasting several chances to tie it.

Captain Mark Viduka, who orchestrated the attack, nearly equalized in the 86th minute, but his chip over Brazil goalkeeper Dida just missed high.

Dida also had a great diving save in the 79th on a side volley by substitute midfielder Marco Bresciano. Harry Kewell missed the open net in the 57th after Dida failed to hold onto a high ball inside the area.

After an opening win against Japan, the Socceroos' performance Sunday gave them the look of a team that belongs in the second round. A win against Croatia on Thursday would get them there.

It was Brazil's fourth win in six matches against the Australians. The Socceroos defeated Brazil 1-0 the last time they met, in the 2001 Confederations Cup in South Korea when Brazil fielded second-stringers. Australia had also played Brazil to a 0-0 draw in 1997.

Brazil controlled possession but failed to create many dangerous scoring opportunities. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Adriano had another subpar performance, failing to spark Brazil's attack.

Two-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho was heavily marked from the beginning and couldn't get any of his moves to work.

Ronaldo was more active than in his first match, participating in more plays and creating scoring chances. His powerful right-footer from about 20 yards in the 41st minute just missed the net.

But he still was far from the Ronaldo who led Brazil to its fifth title in 2002 with eight goals in seven matches. He misplayed easy balls and was late getting to some passes.

Just before the start, Brazil's fans showed their support for the striker, loudly yelling "Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo." The chants continued throughout the match whenever the striker made a play.

He was replaced by Robinho in the 72nd minute.

Brazil captain Cafu played in his 18th World Cup match, tying a national record held by Dunga and Taffarel. With 14 victories, Cafu has already won more World Cup matches than any other Brazilian, and has played a record 148 games for his country. He has lost only 19 of those matches.