International Friendly - Wales 0 Brazil 2: There was to be no repeat of Wales' 1991 triumph over Brazil but there was enough encouragement in defeat last night to offer hope for the future. This fixture offered John Toshack's side the chance to apply balm to the hurt inflicted by the late loss in the Czech Republic at the weekend.
Toshack made three changes to the side that slipped to defeat in Teplice, bringing in the full backs Richard Duffy and Gareth Bale, and Robert Earnshaw in an attempt to add potency in attack.
Brazil rejigged the team that swatted Argentina at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Ronaldinho and Arsenal's new signing Julio Baptista coming into the first XI. Edmilson scuffed wide a chance after five minutes from Ronaldinho's corner, and Kaka and Anderson Silva both went close from later crosses from the Barcelona midfielder.
Wales' best moments in the opening period revolved around Ryan Giggs. They might have taken the lead after 10 minutes when he cushioned James Collins's pass into the path of Earnshaw, but the striker fumbled. Five minuted later Giggs robbed Edmilson and again slipped the ball to the Norwich forward, who forced Gomes into a sharp save.
Giggs was withdrawn at half-time but Wales almost took the lead eight minutes after the interval with Craig Bellamy narrowly failing to capitalise on a loose back-pass. Bellamy then hooked a difficult chance well over four minutes later.
The Welsh resistance could not hold. The left back Marcelo thumped a drive past Paul Jones on the hour. Vagner Love added a second from Cicinho's cross.
Guardian Service
WALES: Jones, Duffy (Edwards 64), Bale (Ledley 46), Gabbidon, Collins, Nyatanga, Bellamy, Earnshaw (Cotterill 77), Robinson (Fletcher 53), Davies (Vaughan 68), Giggs (Ricketts 46). Subs not used: Brown.
BRAZIL: Gomes, Maicon (Cicinho 59), Luisao, Alex, Edmilson (Silva 46), Marcelo (Gilberto 74), Cearense, Kaka (Elano 72), Vagner Love, Ronaldinho (Robinho 67), Julio Baptista (Rafael Sobis 78). Subs Not Used: Fabio, Lucio, Juan, Daniel Carvalho, Fred. Goals: Marcelo 61, Vagner Love 74.
Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire).
