Leandro scores as Brazil beats Ghana in friendly

LONDON (AP) ― Ronaldinho made a winning return to the Brazil team as Leandro Damiao’s first international goal earned the five-time world champions a 1-0 victory over 10-man Ghana on Monday, easing some of the pressure on under-fire coach Mano Menezes.

Internacional striker Leandro marked his first start for Brazil by collecting a through-ball by midfielder Fernandinho and slotting home a low finish in the 44th minute, settling a friendly that had a one-sided feel after the sending-off of defender Daniel Opare 10 minutes earlier.

After a slow start to his first appearance for the Brazilians in 10 months, Ronaldinho grew in stature and capitalized on the extra space afforded by Opare’s dismissal to dip into his vast collection of skills and tricks in an impressive second-half showing.

The two-time world player of the year brought out a couple of top-class saves from Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey from whipped free kicks and produced a sensational drilled cross in the 86th minute for substitute Alexandre Pato, whose header was tipped over the bar.

“Ronaldinho is a player we needed to bring back into the team,” Menezes said. “International football is much faster nowadays and he found it a bit difficult at the beginning.

“But then he got into the rhythm and showed what he is all about in the second half. He played really well.”

Menezes has come under severe pressure after his team was eliminated from the Copa America at the quarterfinal stage this summer.