England marked their first match of 2013 with an impressive win on Wednesday.
After Ronaldinho had seen his penalty saved by Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney put the Three Lions ahead on 26 minutes, calmly side-footing home from 12 yards.
Brazil sub Fred equalised just moments into the second half, but Frank Lampard secured the victory on 60 minutes with a fine finish.
This was an entertaining first England game in The FA's 150th anniversary year and it was also the occasion of Ashley Cole's 100th cap.
But Roy Hodgson will be more pleased with his side's overall performance against the five-time world champions.
Hart's first-half penalty save was particularly impressive, the Manchester City goalkeeper diving to his left to deny Ronaldinho from the spot.
Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Italy. Jeremain Lens put the hosts in front in the 33rd minute, before Marco Verratti levelled in stoppage time.
Germany beat France 2-1 in Paris. Mathieu Valbuena headed Les Bleus into the lead late in the first half, but second-half goals from Thomas Muller and Sami Khedira produced a turnaround.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard was on target from the penalty spot as Belgium beat Slovakia 2-1 in Bruges. Dries Mertens scored a stylish winner for the hosts.
In World Cup 2014 qualifying, Honduras came from behind to beat the United States 2-1 in the first match of the CONCACAF fourth round. Clint Dempsey put the visitors in front in San Pedro Sula, but Juan Carlos Garcia's excellent bicycle kick and a further goal from Jerry Bengtson sealed a home win.
In Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, 10-man Burkina Faso beat Ghana 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra-time in Nelspruit.
The Stallions will go on to meet Nigeria in the final in Johannesburg on Sunday, with the Super Eagles having thrashed Mali 4-1 in Durban.
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