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Brazil ease to victory over Wales
COMFORTABLE WIN:
The former world champions followed up their dazzling display against Argentina with an easy win against John Toshack's Welsh team
AFP, LONDON
Thursday, Sep 07, 2006, Page 19
Brazil coach Dunga maintained his unbeaten record as goals from Marcelo and Vagner Love clinched a 2-0 friendly international win against Wales in London.
Dunga was taking charge of his third match since succeeding Carlos Alberto Parreira in July and the signs are that he has banished the hangover from Brazil's disappointing World Cup campaign.
The then World Cup holders were dumped out by France in the quarter-finals in Germany, but since Dunga took over he has overseen a draw against Norway, followed by a superb 3-0 win against Argentina on Sunday, and now this comfortable victory at White Hart Lane.
Dunga, who captained Brazil to World Cup success in 1994, made nine changes to the side that had destroyed Argentina in the first match of their week-long stay in the English capital.
Ronaldinho returned from a back injury and AC Milan midfielder Kaka was recalled after he came off the bench on Sunday to score a superb solo goal.
Brazil had been breathtaking at times against Argentina and Dunga's men did not seem affected by the kick-off here being delayed for 15 minutes as a result of crowd congestion.
The five-times world champions were quickly into their stride and should have taken the lead in the third minute.
Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones bravely blocked Alex's close-range effort from Ronaldinho's corner, but Edmilson wastefully stabbed wide with the goal at his mercy.
Vagner Love was giving the Welsh defense a torrid time with his movement off the ball and the CSKA Moscow striker drew a good stop from Jones after a smart one-two with Kaka.
Although Wales were competing well against technically superior opponents, Brazil's shrewd passing always looked likely to find a way through eventually.
And the breakthrough finally arrived after 60 minutes when left-back Marcelo took aim from 25 yards and drove his shot into the far corner of Jones's goal.
Ronaldinho's influence on the game was intermittent but he produced one moment of sublime skill as he eluded Carl Fletcher with a dummy before curling a shot against the far post.
Vagner Love put the result beyond any doubt in the 74th minute when he beat James Collins to Cicinho's cross and glanced a header past Jones.
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