LONDON -- Ronaldinho made a winning return to international soccer as Brazil beat 10-man Ghana 1-0 courtesy of Leandro Damiao's first-half strike in a feisty friendly on Monday.

Internacional striker Leandro marked his first start for Brazil with a maiden goal for the national team, collecting a through-ball by Fernandinho and slotting home a low finish in the 44th minute.

The 31-year-old Ronaldinho made his first appearance for the five-time world champions in 10 months and played the full 90 minutes, improving as the match wore on and drawing a couple of fine saves with bending free kicks.

World Cup quarterfinalist Ghana began well but will view the 34th-minute sending-off of defender Daniel Opare for two yellow cards as the turning point.



Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press