Sponsored Links
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil beat depleted England 1-0 in their international friendly at the Khalifa International Stadium last night, and in the process exposed the lack of depth in Fabio Capello’s side.After a goalless first half, Brazil broke the deadlock with a Nilmar header in the 47th minute. The final score could well have been 3-0 as Brazil missed a penalty and were later unlucky to find Lucio’s thundering shot from 25 yards hit the post.
England’s Jermaine Jenas chasing Brazil’s Kaka. PICTURES: Jayan Orma
The result extends Brazil’s domination over England to 23 wins against just three defeats and would also be a confidence boost for them as they head to South Africa for next year’s World Cup.
“The Brazilians were both technically and physically strong on the night,” said Brazil coach Dunga after the match.
“I always remind my players to stay happy. With the World Cup only seven months away, it’s important we settle down with the team.”
But it left Capello with plenty to ponder over in his preparation for the big event.
The Italian, however, put on a brave face. “We played the best team in the world.
Brazil’s Daniel Alives grabbing England’s Wayne Bridge
I learned some things. I understand the value of some players against this sort of team better now – but I will not single out players.”
Shaun Wright Phillips showed England’s early intent, displaying good pace on the right flank. But England, who started with only captain for the evening Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry available from their first choice players after regular captain team John Terry pulled out due to injury, were always under pressure.
After a rather slow start, Brazil began to give a tough time to their rivals with smooth passes. They had a half chance in the 4th minute off an Elano corner but a weak glancing header from Luis Fabiano was easily gathered by England goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Brazil dominated the proceedings despite not pushing themselves too hard to mount pressure on the depleted England defence as Real Madrid star Kaka showed good understanding with Fabiano up front. Elano’s crisp passes and occasional runs down either flank only added to England’s agony.
In the 10th minute, striker Nilmar, after a blistering run into the box, released a back pass intended for Fabiano, but the danger was thwarted in time by Joleon Lescott.
Elano then opened up England defence with a clever little pass but Foster was quick to gather the ball before Maicon, who was making an overlapping run from the back, could get to the ball.
Brazil kept the ball inside the England territory, and Kaka picked out Michel Bastos with a swift pass but the Lyon midfielder’s left-footed shot went wide of the target.
England finally managed to break the Brazilian rhythm in the 24th minute when Manchester City wide man Phillips centred a teasing cross from right. But Wayne Rooney, in his 57th England appearance and first as the captain, sent his header wide.
As the teams slowed down to catch some breath in Doha’s humid weather, the crowd urged them to pick up pace with a series of roaring Mexican waves. But that failed to inspire the teams too much.
Brazil wasted a couple of decent chances for goals, with Felipe Carvalho shooting straight into the hands of Foster in the 29th minute. And two minutes later, Kaka’s shot from the edge of the box was denied by the Manchester United keeper with a good diving save as the first half ended goalless.
Brazil returned with much verve after the break and took the lead two minutes into the second half. Former Manchester City midfielder Elano superbly lobbed the ball, splitting the England defence to find Nilmar. And the striker headed past Foster for a 1-0 lead, sparking wild celebrations.
In the 54th minute, Capello replaced the ineffective Darren Bent with Jermain Defoe to partner Rooney up front. But England, without Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, lacked creativity and struggled to find their way across the Brazilian defence brilliantly manned by captain Lucio.
The result could have been much worse for England when Foster brought down Nilmar with a harsh challenge in the 55th minute. Qatari referee Abdulrahman Abdoo pointed to the spot but was generous towards Foster, who got away with only a yellow card.
However, Brazil wasted the golden opportunity as Fabiano shot over the bar from the spot.
England showed urgency with James Milner producing some flashes of brilliance but they fizzled out before the awesome attacking ability of the Brazilians. The Aston Villa midfielder headed wide in the 69th minute, but for every England move Brazil came roaring back with swift counter attacks.
Both sides then made rapid changes towards the close, giving chances to their fringe players.
Brazil almost doubled their lead in the 77th minute but Lucio’s screaming drive from 25 yards crashed against the post. And a minute later Rooney should have done better than plant a weak shot in the hands of Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar, who otherwise remained a spectator throughout the match.
(Source: Gulf-Times)
If you really like this article, please promote this by sharing this on your favorite Social Networking location, by clicking below icons:
0 comments
Post a Comment