Brazil beat Ukraine in friendly match

Brazil made it three wins out of three for new coach Mano Menezes here on Monday as they beat Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine 2-0 in an international friendly watched by just 13,000 spectators in a ground with a 33,000 capacity.

The Brazilians – who are rebuilding after their disappointing World Cup where they went out in the quarter-finals beaten by the Netherlands – scored a goal in each half through star fullback Dani Alves and AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

Menezes, appointed after Dunga was sacked following the World Cup disappointment, said he was pleased with how the mainly inexperienced and young side was coping at international level.

“This is my third game as Brazil coach and the team is making progress,” said Menezes, who was not first choice for the post but got the nod when Fluminense refused to release Muricy Ramalho.

“But we need to play games like this tonight against different kinds of teams, different kinds of philosophies of football to make some improvement. But I am satisfied because at the moment my goal is to build a team for 2014 (when Brazil host the World Cup).”

Alves, who along with Robinho were the only two survivors from the starting line-up from the Dutch match, struck for the second game in succession midway through the first-half.

The Barcelona star met Robinho’s cross from the right wing and his volley beat the Ukrainian keeper Andriy Dykan after taking a slight deflection off a defender.

Menezes singled out skipper Robinho for special praise.

“He is more mature now,” said Menezes.

“He is one of the players who, even though he is not so old, is one of the most experienced players I have.

“Robinho’s happiness is very important for us, so now he is one of those to look up to for the young players.”

The Brazilians should have added a second in the 35th minute after Ukraine lost possession inside their own half.

Pato got clear but his shot cannoned off the post and Carlos Eduardo following up was unable to keep his effort down and it went well over the bar.

However, Eduardo made up for his miss when he created Brazil’s second goal in the 64th minute as he found Pato – who was left out of the World Cup squad – in the penalty area and the 21-year-old AC Milan ace turned his marker and slotted past Dykan.

Alves went agonisingly close to making it 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining as his freekick from just outside the penalty area grazed the crossbar.

The Ukrainians – deprived of their veteran star Andriy Shevchenko because of a slight thigh injury – rarely threatened though they had the ball in the net once through Oleksandr Aliyev but it was ruled out.

The first major target for Menezes will be a successful defence of the Brazilian’s Copa America title in Argentina next year.

Thusfar the 48-year-old former Corinthians coach has guided the Brazilians to victories over the United States and Iran and will face bitter rivals Argentina in Doha on November 17.