International Friendly - Brazil 2 Scotland 0

Neymar Brace Seals Selecao Victory

Brazil will face tougher opposition than Scotland in this summer's Copa America, but Mano Menezes departs North London this afternoon satisfied with a job well done.

Not only was it a fine display from the players, but Menezes has seemingly learned a valuable lesson from last month's defeat to France.

In that 1-0 loss, the Brazil coach deployed Alexandre Pato as the lone striker in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation; a role the AC Milan starlet is unaccustomed to, and he consequently cut a lonely figure all game.

Of course, Hernanes' dismissal for a ridiculous high challenge didn't help matters that night. However, at the Emirates today, Leandro Damiao demonstrated the value of playing a striker who can occupy both centre-halves to Menezes .

The Internacional hitman's power and aerial strength not only troubled Scotland all afternoon, but his unselfish work rate opened up little pockets of space behind for Neymar, Jadson and Elano.

This tricky trio bamboozled the Europeans all afternoon. Neymar, cutting in from the left, gave Hutton a torrid time. While Jadson and Elano interchanged throughout, taking turns to switch from the right to play as the creative hub behind Leandro.

In midfield, the efficient Ramires and Lucas provided the perfect platform for the attack and their unselfish running gave great balance to the team. These two will surely have cemented their starting places for this summer's tournament.

The first half was typical Brazil: intricate short passes, both full-backs breaking forward and neat one-two exchanges around the box. Scotland, to their credit, defended magnificently, with Gary Caldwell making a number of key tackles.

The opening goal arrived in the 38th minute, when Neymar finished off a flowing move involving Ramires and Andre Santos. The Santos starlet killed the ball instantly, opened his body up, and stroked it past McGregor with aplomb.

After the interval, the South Americans continued in a similar manner: dictating the game's slow tempo, playing with little urgency, patiently waiting for the chances to arrive. It was all about control.

In the 76th minute, Neymar doubled his tally with a well taken penalty, dusting himself down following a ludicrous and lazy tackle from Charlie Adam.

Before the game, Brazil legend Ronaldo went into the dressing room for a talk with Neymar, offering words of encouragement and invaluable advice.

However, it's another Selecao legend that Neymar wants to emulate. Speaking to the Brazilian media after the game, he declared: "I really like number 11 because it was the one worn by Romario."

When asked by TV Globo about possible changes for the Copa America, Menezes said: "There is a possibility for changes. But common sense says that future squads will be as close as possible to this squad."