THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DOHA, Qatar — Nilmar scored on a header in the 47th minute as Brazil defeated England 1-0 Saturday in an exhibition between two of the favourites to win next year’s World Cup.
England was missing many of its regular starters due to injuries, including Ashley Cole (fractured leg), Rio Ferdinand (back and calf), Steven Gerrard (groin), Emile Heskey (back), David James (knee), Frank Lampard (thigh) and John Terry (ankle).
In addition, David Beckham stayed in California and his free kick set up the first goal Friday night as the Los Angeles Galaxy beat Houston 2-0 advanced to the MLS Cup final.
Nilmar ran between two defenders to head a long pass from Elano past goalkeeper Ben Foster and put the five-time champions ahead.
Among England’s reserves, only James Milner impressed. England had only one shot on target to Brazil’s four.