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Mexico went ahead in the 43rd minute with Juan Carlos Cacho's first goal for his country, only for Brazil to draw level two minutes later through Kleber's first strike in national colours.

Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa produced a series of saves to keep his side level but Kaka put the Brazilians 2-1 up in the 80th minute.

Despite being down to 10 men following the dismissal of Elano, Brazil substitute Afonso Alves added a third four minutes from time to complete a successful pair of friendy matches after their 4-2 victory over the United States at the weekend.

Brazil, who had coach Dunga sent off in the final stages after arguing with the fourth official, begin their World Cup qualification campaign away to Colombia on October 13.

Mexico keeper Ochoa twice saved his side early on through his speed off the line. In the ninth minute he was out quickly at the feet of a goal-bound Vagner Love and then was sharp and brave again to deny Kaka.

Brazil keeper Julio Cesar showed similar speed of reaction when Cacho fed Fernando Arce but the keeper was out quickly at the feet of the Mexico forward to keep the scores level.

Mexico took the lead through a superbly worked goal. Andres Guardado crossed low to Nery Castillo, who showed great control and alertness to set up Cacho to slot home.

But five-times World Cup winners Brazil drew level just two minutes later when Kleber met a Ronaldinho corner at the near post and his shot beat the diving Ochoa.

The youthful Mexico side showed plenty of endeavour after the break but they needed the inspired display from their 'keeper to keep them on level terms.

Ochoa, who was outstanding in Mexico's 2-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America in June, was at full stretch to push wide a Ronaldinho effort in the 66th minute but had his team-mate Guardado to thank a minute later as he cleared a Gilberto Silva header off the line.

Mexico introduced 18-year-old Barcelona forward Giovani Dos Santos but the game turned in Brazil's direction 10 minutes from the end when Kaka slotted home after Mexico defender Rafael Marquez failed to clear a low cross from Maicon.

Brazil then had substitute Elano sent off for a wild challenge on Gerardo Torrado but extended their lead when substitute Afonso raced away to confidently fire home.

Germany went behind against Romania in a friendly in Cologne but emerged 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Bernd Schneider, David Odonkor and Lukas Podolski.

Romania took the lead in the third minute when the German defence went to sleep, allowing Dorin Goian space to poke the ball in from Adrian Mutu's cross.

Captain Schneider equalised late in the first half, Odonkor scored an eye-catching solo goal in the 65th minute and Podolski lashed in from outside the box with eight minutes to go.

It was a 12th win in 14 matches for Germany under Joachim Loew, and it brought Romania's 14-match unbeaten run to an end.

The visitors had looked likely to extend that sequence when they moved ahead with a soft early goal.

Thomas Hitzlsperger and Podolski missed good chances before Schneider arrived late in the box to head in from Bastian Schweinsteiger's deep cross in the 42nd minute.

Chances continued to come thick and fast in the second half as two teams, well on the way to securing qualification for Euro 2008, played the game in a relaxed style.

Germany went ahead when Odonkor picked the ball up in midfield, raced goalwards and managed to squeeze a shot in at Danut Coman's near post. Podolski, a former Cologne player, delighted the crowd when he whacked in the third late on.

South Africa showed an improvement in form as they drew 0-0 with Uruguay after their shock defeat by Zambia at the weekend.

The 2010 World Cup hosts could only attract about a thousand fans to Ellis Park for the match following a 3-1 defeat at home by Zambia in an African Nations Cup qualifier.

South Africa were lucky not to conceded a first-half penalty when Blackburn Rovers defender Aaron Mokoena hacked down Luis Suarez but the referee waved play on.

The match formed part of South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's plan to offer more regular top quality opposition for his team as they prepare for the hosting of the World Cup.

They next play away against world champions Italy next month.

In the evening's other matches, Honduras defeated Ecuador 2-1, Peru emerged victorious against Bolivia by a 2-0 scoreline, Venezuela drew 1-1 with Panama and Canada also played out a 1-1 stalemate with Costa Rica.

Reuters