"Ronaldo is the first choice," the Sao Paulo striker, who stood in for the rested Ronaldo, told Brazilian television from Budapest. "I'm just going to keep working and try and score goals when I get the chance."

Luis Fabiano, whose fierce temper has often threatened to overshadow his talent, has scored three goals in four internationals. He was also on target on his debut against Nigeria last year.

Brazil's performance was deemed worthy of the five-times world champions by the demanding public and media.

The win ended a run of four successive draws, the latest two goalless. Brazil's last victory was in September's World Cup qualifier at home to Ecuador.

Curiously, Brazil produced their best on a night when they were unable to field the so-called dream trio of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka.

The three players have played together in two games but the combination has yet to produce a goal.

"The result was achieved with an exhibition worthy of the football which has won five World Cups," said the Jornal do Brasil.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, often criticised for being too methodical in his approach, praised every aspect of his side's performance.

"The team played with harmony," he said. "Everyone played well. The team played our style of football.

"The team had determination, good marking and, above all, played the Brazilian way with the ball on the ground, good passing, technique, movement, penetration, nice moves without forgetting about the marking."

Even Walter Casagrande, the television commentator and former Brazil World Cup striker who has often expressed exasperation at Parreira's decisions and lack of charisma, was upbeat.

"This performance has left me very optimistic," he said. "I hope Parreira has the courage to play like this against Argentina," he said, referring to Brazil's World Cup qualifier in June against their arch-rivals.