A second half goal by Nilmar gave Brazil a deserved 1-0 victory in a friendly against a weakened England team at the Khalifa Stadium today.

Brazil took the lead two minutes after the break when the Villarreal striker connected with a sublime ball by Elano from midfield and headed firmly past goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Brazil should have doubled their lead less then 10 minutes later but Luis Fabiano missed from the penalty spot after Foster had brought the striker down following a mistake by the keeper's Manchester United team mate Wes Brown.

Brazil captain Lucio then struck a thunderous shot against the post in the 77th, while England's chances were limited to a shot over the bar by James Milner and a long range effort from skipper Wayne Rooney straight at goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

England, hit by a series of injuries to key players ahead of the game, applied early pressure but Kaka and fellow forward Fabiano were a constant menace to a hard-worked defence.

The win ensured Brazil continued their good run against England, who last beat the South American side in 1990.

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