New-look Brazil impress against the US

Reuters
Wednesday 11 August 2010 10:28 BST
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(Getty Images)

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A young Brazil side enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly at the Meadowlands stadium on Tuesday, handing new coach Mano Menezes a victory in his first game in charge.

Winger Neymar, controversially left out of previous coach Dunga's World Cup squad, delivered an excellent debut performance including grabbing the opening goal.

Left-back Andre Santos broke down the flank and whipped in a superb cross to the back post, which the 18-year-old Neymar met with a thundering header to put Brazil ahead in the 28th minute.

The second goal came in time added on at the end of the first half when a simple passing move from the back, ended with Ramires putting in Alexandre Pato who coolly slotted past Tim Howard.

Brazil had a number of chances in the second half but U.S. substitute keeper Brad Guzan pulled off some fine saves while debutant Paulo Henrique Ganso, who looked confident in the main playmaker's role, struck the post with a 25 metre effort.

Menezes' promise to produce a team with a more appealing approach to the game was instantly evident with Lucas and Ramires playing the holding midfield roles with little trouble while Robinho, Ganso and Neymar interchanged impressively behind the main striker Pato.

Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho were the only members of Menezes' squad who were in South Africa.

The United States, who picked a largely first choice side, struggled to cope with Brazil's slick passing and movement and were unable to create much with their limited possession.

Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob Bradley, had a second half header ruled out for offside but it was a lacklustre display from a U.S team, who reached the second round in the World Cup before going out to Ghana.

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