International Friendlies: Brazil show the samba way as they edge England

A makeshift England side lost 1-0 to Brazil in a friendly in Doha as Nilmar scored the only goal of the game.

With nine of what would be considered Fabio Capello’s first-choice players missing through injury, understudies were offered the chance to impress ahead of the World Cup finals, but Nilmar scored the second-half goal to condemn England to defeat.

The Three Lions will not be completely disappointed by their performance as an organised and disciplined display contained Brazil, ranked as the world’s best side, for the majority, however, there was a lack of attacking threat.

Wayne Rooney revelled in captaining his country for the first time in the injury absence of John Terry, but he was unable to connect with an early Shaun Wright-Phillips cross in a goalless first half.

England began the second period in a sleepy fashion which suggested brains were still in the dressing room and they were duly punished on 47 minutes as Nilmar headed an Elano pass past Ben Foster.

Capello’s men were struggling in Qatar’s sapping heat and they should have been two behind when Foster brought down Nilmar to give away a penalty, but Luis Fabiano spooned his spot-kick over the bar after the England goalkeeper was booked.

Brazil captain Lucio rattled the frame of England’s goal in the latter stages with a scorching drive as Dunga’s side comfortably secured the victory.