Brazil drub England
Brazil underlined their position as favourites for Olympic gold when they gave a masterful performance to complete a 2-0 win over hosts Britain, who fielded a united team for the first time in 41 years.
Brazil won the friendly with a header from Sandro and a penalty from Neymar just five days before the London Games soccer competition, which features an under-23 line-up with three over-aged players, kicks off.
Brazil, seeking to win the Olympic title for the first time, sent a powerful message of intent to the other 15 teams in the competition with a silky display in their final warm-up before the Games.
Starting with seven Englishmen and four Welshmen including captain Ryan Giggs, Britain looked uncomfortable on the ball and far from a cohesive blend.
They allowed Brazil too much time and space on the ball, and with players like Neymar facing them, that was a dangerous tactic to pursue. The opening goal came after a lack of communication in the Britain defence, allowing Sandro, who plays in London for Spurs, to loop in a header.
Neymar doubled the lead 10 minutes before the interval when Hulk was tripped by Micah Richards and the 20-year-old striker beat keeper Jason Steele from the spot. Pearce said the performance proved that Brazil are the favourites.
