The Londrina-born midfielder capped off a classy display for his country with a stunning strike from 30 yards to net the Selecao’s fourth goal of the night as part of a comprehensive 5-0 victory over South Africa.
One of only five players to complete all 90 minutes, Fernandinho seized his chance to impress boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as he bids for a place in Brazil’s squad for this year’s World Cup on home soil.
Elsewhere, Vincent Kompany faced off against Yaya Toure as Belgium took on the Ivory Coast in Brussels. The match finished 2-2 after Belgium conceded a late equaliser, and Yaya set up the first for the Elephants – his cross finding its way through a crowded penalty area to former Chelsea man Didier Drogba, who calmly slotted the ball home.
Toure played 82 minutes for Ivory Coast, while City’s captain played all 90 minutes for the Belgian Red Devils.
David Silva impressed with his second half performance for Spain in their highly-anticipated clash with Italy. The World Champions triumphed 1-0 over the Azzurri, and the Spanish wizard was instrumental in the win, emerging from the bench after the break to set up the winning strike for Pedro.
Silva was a lively presence in the second period and consistently caused Italy problems as both teams continued their preparations for Brazil 2014.
...International round-up...
Jesus Navas replaced Andres Iniesta after 66 minutes while Alvaro Negredo was an unused substitute.
In Cardiff, Emyr Huws won plenty of praise for an excellent Wales debut in their 3-1 victory over Iceland. The youngster gave an assured performance in a disciplined role ahead of the back four, and proved he can hold his own at this level.
Another City man making his senior international debut was Karim Rekik, who came on for the Netherlands in the 52nd minute of their clash with France. The Oranje were two goals down when the defender entered the fray, but did not concede while the 19-year-old was on the pitch and the match finished 2-0 to the French.
Joe Hart started for England at Wembley, and kept a clean sheet as the Three Lions ran out 1-0 winners over Denmark. City and England’s no.1 made a crucial stop from Morten Rasmussen with the game finely poised at 0-0, and gave another solid display between the sticks for his country. James Milner was a late sub, replacing Daniel Sturridge after 88 minutes.
There was also a clean sheet for Costel Pantilimon, who came on after 45 minutes for Romania. The goalkeeper kept out teammate Sergio Aguero, as well as the likes of Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain as Romania and Argentina played out a 0-0 draw. Aguero started for the Argentines and featured for 56 minutes, while Pablo Zabaleta played the whole match for his country.
Aleks Kolarov was part of the Serbia side that triumphed 2-1 over Ireland in Dublin. The defender played 90 minutes and was involved in the first goal for the Serbs – exchanging passes with Tadic before James McCarthy turned the ball into his own net.
Bosnian Diamond Edin Dzeko also played 90 minutes for his country, but could not prevent Bosnia-Herzegovina slipping to a surprise 2-0 defeat to Egypt.
City’s 17-year-old winger, Bersant Celina was an unused sub for Kosovo in their first ever FIFA-sanctioned friendly against Haiti, which finished goalless.
CITY v WIGAN: Tickets still remain for this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final with Wigan Athletic – can the Blues return to Wembley by beating former City idol Uwe Rosler’s side and press on towards a third FA Cup final in four years? Don’t miss the chance to welcome back the 2014 League Cup winners and cheer on Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the battle between England’s two current domestic cup holders.
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