Brazil fire warning to the world says Robinho

(GETTY IMAGES)

Brazil striker Robinho believes his side's 2-0 friendly win over Italy last night has sent out a warning to the rest of the world.

Robinho inspired his team to a thrilling victory in front of a sold-out Emirates Stadium, setting up the first goal for Elano before netting a stunning second himself and putting in a man-of-the-match performance.

The Manchester City striker was delighted to get on the scoresheet and even happier to kick-off the year with victory against the World Champions.

"It was a beautiful goal," said Robinho. "We have started this year on the right foot.

"Against Italy it is always difficult to win. Everyone is leaving here happy.

"It should be noted that we won well against a great team, the world champions. Moreover, we moved well as a team.

"Right from the start of the game, we played the ball well, imposing from then our rhythm of play.

"When we do that it is very difficult for our opponents.

"We showed our quality, we won and we did it in convincing fashion."

The Brazil team came in for some criticism last year, due to a faltering World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, Robinho believes their troubles are firmly behind them.

"I think the group is becoming closer all the time," he said. "Every day that we play together, we talk more, although we did not have much time to train this time.

"I really believe this group are ready to do well in the Confederations Cup, and then afterwards in the World Cup too."

The match had been billed as "the derby of the world", a game between two great footballing nations with nine World Cups between them.

And Robinho admitted that made the victory all the more special.

"Without a doubt the result means more," he said. "If you win against a team who do not have a lot of standing, people do not really give it much value.

"A win against Italy, against Germany, and the likes of them, is always important."

Robinho and Elano linked up well last night and it was a swift one-two between the City pair that saw Brazil take the lead.

Elano has had a difficult time at Eastlands of late, where he has often found himself on the bench, and Robinho was delighted to see his club-mate get on the scoresheet.

"He came over to thank me, because I set it up for him," he said. "Usually it's him who sets it up for me. I am very happy for him."