Brazil struggle to beat 10-man Ghana

...Man of the Match for Ghana: Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey

Brazil, with playmaker Ronaldinho back in the side, struggled to beat 10-man Ghana 1-0 in a friendly at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground on Monday.

Leandro Damiao struck the only goal on the stroke of halftime, running on to a defence-splitting ball from Fernandinho and finding the corner of the net from a tight angle.

It was one of the few moments of invention from the former world champions, even with the crafty Ronaldinho returning for his first international appearance since November.

Ghana never threatened after having defender Daniel Opare sent off in the 32nd minute.

Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, playing only his second game for Ghana, made three incredible saves

• 88': Ronaldinho! The number 10 curls in a great free kick from just outside the area, but Kwarasey tips it on to the post and behind! The Ghana 'keeper is in top form tonight!
• 85': Pato denied by a great save! He got on the end of a cross from Ronaldinho to head at goal from inside the box, but Kwarasey made another fine flying save to tip it over the bar!
• 80': Good save! The resulting free-kick is taken by Ronaldinho, and deflects off the wall towards goal, but Kwarasey flies over to his left to make a fine save to turn it round the post.

Goal: Leandro Damião 45'
Red Card: Daniel Opare 39'

Ghana XI: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Daniel Opare, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu(78' A. Adomah), Samuel Inkoom(86' P. Tagoe), Derek Boateng(46' L. Addy ), Jordan Ayew(70' D. Adiyiah), Sulley Muntari(46' M. Rabiu), Kwadwo Asamoah(66' A. Annan).

Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Daniel Alves, 3-Lucio, 4-Thiago Silva, 6-Marcelo; 5-Lucas Leiva, 7-Fernandinho (20-Hulk 46), 8-Paulo Henrique Ganso (17-Elias 10); 11-Neymar, 9-Leandro Damiao (19-Alexandre Pato 78), 10-Ronaldinho

Referee: Mike Dean (England)