With a huge chunk of regulars missing for both sides, it was kind of predictable that we werenâÂÂt going to witness a high-flying team performance from neither England nor Brazil in their friendly match in Qatar.
The most likely thing to occur then was the game being decided by a stellar individual exploit.
There were some well-known heroes on the pitch who were expected to do the trick.
But neither Wayne âÂÂShrekrâ Rooney nor Luis âÂÂFabulousâ Fabiano â nor the debuting Brazilian Hulk, premiering with the Seleção shirt â were able to shine.
Instead, it was a skinny, fragile, disguise-free kid who settled the contest.
VillarrealâÂÂs ace Nilmar, with his with his characteristic boy-next-door simplicity, scored one header off ElanoâÂÂs perfect cross early in the second half to seal another Samba Boys win against England.
BrazilâÂÂs own Peter Parker had an outstanding match, piercing EnglandâÂÂs defence and fighting for each ball.
His efforts also awarded Brazil a penalty, which Luis Fabiano, on an ordinary Joe afternoon, fired high over the bar.
Now coach Dunga, who a while ago was in doubt if Nilmar deserved the fourth forward spot for the World Cup â Luis Fabiano, Robinho and Adriano seems to have clinched the first three â has another dilemma:
Should the Villarreal striker be made a starter?
If the place heâÂÂs bound to take didnâÂÂt belong to Robinho, Dunga would had already given it to Nilmar.
The Brazilian coach kind of has a debt of gratitude with the Manchester City struggling star.
When Kaká and Ronaldinho Gaúcho asked to be released from the national team to play in the Copa America, Robinho was there to lead the pack to yet another continental triumph.
Despite his bad shape, Robinho usually gives everything for Brazil, and the gaffer acknowledges it.
Nilmar, however, has no problem waiting.
Alongside an enormous talent, patience is one of his virtues â despite the baby face, the 25-year-old forward has already been through a lot.
After a sensational start in Internacional and a forgettable stint at Lyon, the striker returned to Brazil to shine, alongside Carlitos Tevez, in the 2005 Corinthians squad who took home the Brazilian Championship.
But in 2006 and 2007, the star suffered back-to-back potential career-ending knee injuries, and was sidelined for more than 15 months in total.
Unshakeable, Nilmar bounced back in 2008, again with his alma mater, helping Internacional to win the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship, the Copa Sudamericana and the Dubai Cup.
His superb performances â which included a contender for the 2009 goal of the year in Brazil â brought him back into the national team and secured him a second chance in Europe.
If he keeps playing like this, and if he stars in the World Cup, Villarreal will be history soon.
ThereâÂÂs plenty of top sides still looking for a superhero â especially one that doesnâÂÂt need to switch to a secret identity to perform.
Nilmar bites like Spiderman without leaving the Peter Parker attire.
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