A capacity crowd of 90,000 welcomed Brazil and England to the new Wembley for the stadium’s first international game.
The new look arched stadium is the most expensive in the world and certainly impressed.
A goal-less first half saw England and Brazil cancel each other out. Brazil looked the more likely to score but a determined England contained the Brazilian attacking flair.
David Beckham’s return appeared justified as he provided England’s best crosses and narrowly hit a free-kick wide. In the tightly packed midfield Steven Gerrard contained Kaka and Ronaldinho’s attacks but Jamie Carragher struggled to contain Robinho.
Brazil’s best chance came in the 19th minute when captain Gilberto Silva headed home only for his team-mates to be judged off side.
Brazil started the second half well as a shot from Ronaldinho was deflected wide and Gilberto Silva found an unmarked Kaka minutes later, but he failed to make the most of what was probably his best chance of the game.
Changes on both sides affected the flow of the game but Dunga’s men failed to find a way through a resilient English defence.
In the 66th minute came the moment we had all been waiting for – the first international goal at the new Wembley. A trademark Beckham freekick left Helon flailing and John Terry headed home.
More changes followed when Heerenveen striker Alfonso came on for his debut almost scoring within minutes. Only a scrambled clearance from Wes Brown could prevent Alfonso’s dream start.
England looked set for victory when in the 90th minute Gilberto Silva crossed for Diego to head home and grab Brazil the draw.
Both managers were satisfied with their teams performances though England coach Steve McClaren was the more disappointed commenting “football is cruel game, sometimes you get what you deserve, we didn’t”.
Dunga felt that pitch had played a part in his teams performance; slowing Kaka and Ronaldinho, and preventing the quick counter attacks. “I was happy with number of chances we had and we limited England to set pieces and the occasional long shot”.
Dunga refused to comment on how tonight’s performance would affect his squad decision for the Copa America later this month. The squad will be announced after Tuesdays friendly against Turkey in Dortmund, Germany.
England: Robinson, Carragher, King, Terry (Brown 72), Shorey, Beckham (Jenas 77), Gerrard, Lampard (Carrick 88), Cole (Downing 62), Smith (Dyer 62), Owen (Crouch 83).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Bridge, Neville, Bentley, Green, Defoe.
Goals: Terry 68.
Brazil: Helton, Daniel (Maicon 65), Naldo, Juan, Gilberto, Ronaldinho, Mineiro (Edmilson 63), Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Alves 71), Robinho (Diego 74), Vagner Love.
Subs Not Used: Doni, Alex Silva, Alex, Marcelo, Josue, Elano, Jo.
Goals: Diego 90.
Att: 88,745
Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).
Words Nicholas Savage and Joe Kent at Wembley
Photo: CBF cbfnews.uol.com.br
