FOOTBALL
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Brazil completed their preparation for the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup on a high note with a polished 1-0 triumph over the 10-man Young Socceroos on Wednesday.
A stunning strike from Joao Pedro from well outside the 18-yard box just 15 minutes in sealed the South Americans' win at WIN Stadium.
The right back was given too much space and made the Young Socceroos pay for a lapse in concentration with a sizzling finish.
For the bulk of the fixture, the Australian side had showed plenty of promise and battled well after being reduced to 10 men in the second half.
Brandon Borrello was handed his marching orders on the hour mark following a second yellow.
The Brisbane Roar product picked up a caution in the first half and was dismissed when he was ruled to have clipped Alef after the ball had gone.
It didn't change the half-time scoreline.
From the outset it seemed the match was not going to finish goalless.
Daniel De Silva first fired over the bar from long range for the Young Socceroos before the Brazilians followed suit with a volleyed effort from Gabriel missing the target when a goal beckoned.
His miss would be forgotten when Pedro opened the scoring but the Young Socceroos should have been level six minutes later - George Blackwood was put on goal after shaking off his marker but pushed his one-on-one attempt past the post.
The second half saw a similar chance fall for the Young Socceroos.
This time it was De Silva who could only fire his effort straight at the keeper.
At the opposite end, the damage could have been worse had it not been for the heroics of the Young Socceroos' goalkeepers.
A half-time switch ensured both custodians would get their chance and neither would disappoint.
First, Tom Glover pulled off a pair of fine saves leading into half-time to ensure the hosts remained in touching distance.
He stopped well with his feet in the 35th minute from Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira's attempt. He then stood tall again on the stroke of half-time to stop the on-rushing Gabriel.
Jordan Holmes came on at half-time and continued where Glover left off.
He made sure the deficit stayed at one with an assured performance to keep Brazil at bay.
Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Nigeria on Monday.