With Euro Qualifiers and International tournaments on the rise, a slew of International Friendlies have also come into focus–the brightest of course being played yesterday, England vs. Brazil.

In anticipation of this game (based solely on names), even with the recall of David Beckham, Brazil was fancied to deconstruct an England side, floundering in Euro Qualifiers, in the 1st game in the renovated, famous Wembley Stadium. Just going by names, however, in soccer takes you no where, and if you haven’t noticed lately Brazil stopped being Brazil last year.

To add to Dunga’s embarrassment, David Beckham was not the only new face in Steve McClaren’s side–Michael Owen and Alan Smith made it in after long-time injury lay-offs while obscure Reading defender, Nicky Shorey, made a full debut against the Samba men.

Brazil it seems, however, were in no mood to dance and looked as sluggish, and uncreative as England at times, in a less then enthralling match. With both teams cancelling each other out, Becks finally hit one of his signature pin-point crosses (from a free-kick), to the back post in the 68th min., for captain John Terry to head home. Beckham was able to cap a solid performance (not by any means outstanding) with the assist to emphasize his quality and England’s need for it.

With Brazil not playing well, and then with the prospect of losing, Dunga’s face matched his tight red shirt, and I thought I made him out giving in his resignation, as he forgot for just one moment to cup his mouth mic in his disappointment. Even Diego’s last minute leveller was not enough to restore Brazilian pride.

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