Adriano spares Brazil blushes

A fine shot by Adriano and a late Fred tap-in saw Brazil through to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory against a spirited Australia side. Fine finish The defending champions came in for criticism after a lacklustre 1-0 win against Croatia and again looked short of their best. Most of their best moments came from AC Milan plamaker Kaká, who cracked an early volley wide and later headed against the crossbar. The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second half when Adriano stole half a step on Scott Chipperfield and drilled a low, left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner from 20 metres. Drilled shot Australia carved out several chances to equalise, the best of which fell to substitute Harry Kewell, but the Liverpool FC man fired over with the goal gaping. Mark Viduka also came close when he lifted the ball over Dida, but it came down on the roof of the net. Amid much speculation over his form and fitness, Brazil forward Ronaldo again looked a shadow of the player who illuminated the 2002 finals, once shooting wide and on another occasion missing the ball altogether. Sluggish Ronaldo He was replaced by Robinho, who created the second when his fierce shot was touched onto the post and Fred tucked away the simplest of chances on the rebound. Australia, who face Croatia in their last game, have three points while Japan and Croatia have one each in Group F. Grp E Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana Grp E Italy 1-1 USA Grp F Japan 0-0 Croatia Grp G France 1-1 Korea Republic