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The highly-anticipated Brazil and Ghana friendly at Fulham's Cravern Cottage grounds in London was indeed fast paced and even match with lots of back and forth action even though the Black Stars were a goal down courtesy Leandro Damiao in the 45th minute. Tottenham target Leandro Damiao scored his first international goal as Brazil beat 10-man Ghana 1-0 in a scrappy friendly at Craven Cottage. Both sides exhibited some superb defensive play. However, these quality defenses have limited both sides to little more than prayers masked as shots. English referee Mike Dean handed out eight cards, one of them red, in a feisty encounter that was settled by Damiao's cool 45th minute strike. This game looked like it will be competitive all the way through, unfortunately, the Black Stars were down to 10 men after Daniel Opare was given the marching off orders for a second bookable offence. This is the first time these teams have played each other since Brazil beat Ghana in a friendly in 2007. Brazil also beat Ghana in the World Cup the previous year. Brazil is trying to stop a two-game losing streak in this friendly. This is a team that simply doesn't have losing streaks. Selecao coach Mano Menezes is attempting to orchestrate a team in transition. He has ratcheted up his tinkering as evidenced in his selection. The result eases the pressure on Brazil boss Mario Menezes, who came under fire for his team's quarter-final exit from the Copa America. His recall of Ronaldinho, making his first appearance in 10 months, also paid off as the 31-year-old offered glimpses of brilliance and came close to scoring with an outstanding free-kick just before full-time. Ronaldinho, who had perked up after a quiet first half, drew a good save from Kwarasey with 10 minutes left. AC Milan star Pato came off the bench and saw a well-timed header superbly tipped over by Kwarasey. The Ghana stopper had to be at his best to tip Ronaldinho's excellent free-kick around his left-hand post as Brazil looked for a second with time running out. The former Barcelona man whipped over a teasing cross that was hooked away by a Ghana defender in injury time and the Brazilians had to settle for the one-goal victory. Ghana XI: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Daniel Opare, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Samuel Inkoom, Derek Boateng, Jordan Ayew, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah. Subs: Richard Kingson, Dominic Adiyiah, Lee Addy, Anthony Annan, Prince Tagoe, Albert Adomah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Nathaniel Asamoah, Ernest Sowah