DOHA: Brazil kept their World Cup preparations on track by cruising to a 1-0 win over a second-string England side here on Saturday that was much more comfortable than the close scoreline suggested.
A superbly taken header by Villarreal striker Nilmar settled a contest the five-times world champions were always in control of and might easily have won by a bigger margin.
A penalty miss by Luis Fabiano ensured England, captained for the first time by Wayne Rooney, remained in contention until the end but, overall, the evening served to underline the importance of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard — all of whom were absent injured — being fit for next year’s finals.
Brazil never demonstrated the kind of gear changes that will be required to overcome the likes of Spain in South Africa next year.
But a cautious England never required them too and there was genuine quality in the angled through ball from Galatasaray midfielder Elano that enabled Nilmar to head the winner two minutes into the second half.
