London, Jul 21 (IANS): The British football team's hopes of winning a medal suffered a minor setback as they lost 0-2 to Brazil in a warm-up match before the London Olympics Games.

The Brazilians showed why they are among the favourites to win a medal with an assured performance Friday in which they showed their technical superiority to the side coached by Stuart Pearce, reports Xinhua.

Brazil midfielder Sandro, who plays for Tottenham Hotspurs, opened the scoring with a far post header after 12 minutes when the British defence failed to deal with a cross from the right wing.

Highly rated youngster Neymar added the second from the penalty spot after Micah Richards committed a clumsy foul on Porto forward Hulk.

The British side was not helped by fans in Middleborough's Riverside stadium booing former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy, but the difference in class was clear for all to see.

Earlier in the evening, the British women's team drew 0-0 against Sweden.