Brazil beats Iran 3-0 in friendly in UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Brazil beat Iran 3-0 in their first ever friendly on Thursday, giving new coach Mano Menezes a second successive victory.



The teams met at the 1972 Olympics but this was their first full international.



Daniel Alves hit the target with a 14th-minute free kick, Alexandre Pato made it 2-0 in the 69th, and Nilmar added the third goal in the second minute of stoppage time.



"I want to see Brazil play a beautiful game again," Menezes said. "We haven't closed the door on anybody ... but for now we have to see new players, we have to."



Iran had a goal by striker Mohammed Gholami disallowed in the fifth minute for offside.



A jolted Brazil lifted its workrate and Daniel Alves lofted a free kick over the wall and into the top right corner, evading the outstretched hand of Iran goalkeeper Seyed Mehdi Rahmati.



The second half started much like the first with Iran captain Javad Nekounam denied by the post.



Brazil responded immediately and only two brilliant saves by Rahmati stopped Pato from collecting a double in quick succession.



However, the striker made no mistake with his third chance, timing his run perfectly to convert a pass in front of goal.



Nilmar capitalized on a counterattack to seal the victory.



The match marked the end of Iran veteran Karim Bagheri's international career, and coach Afshin Ghotbi paid tribute to the departing midfielder.



"(Bagheri) is one of the best personalities and one of the best professionals we've ever had," Ghotbi said.



"He's been successful wherever he's gone. He's a true winner on and off the field and I'm very proud to have been his coach."



Brazil heads to England to play Ukraine on Monday. Iran's next friendly is scheduled for November against an opponent to be determined.



The five-time World Cup champions beat the United States 2-0 on Aug. 10 in Menezes' first gam