The first game on Sunday finished 32-25 to the South Americans, but the British team will be encouraged by their performance, having been level at 21-21 with just eight minutes remaining.

Chris Mohr was their most prolific marksman with nine, and Mark Hawkins and Steven Larsson weighed in with another five apiece, whilst Nicholas Satchwell made a 38 per cent save ratio in goal.

"It was a good start to the series for us," said assistant coach Bill Baillie.

"We were competitive for long periods.

"It was a good all-round performance from the team and a good chance to experience a different style of handball."

Baillie is optimistic that the practise games will boost Britain's 2012 Olympic hopes.

"The plan this year is to test ourselves against Asian and Pan-American teams, so going to Brazil will be very good for us.

"We're injury free at the moment, with perhaps just one or two little niggles, but nothing serious."

The squad are looking to play against teams of varying styles, and they travelled to Brazil on the back of two narrow friendly defeats to Turkey.

The British team will play Brazil twice more before the end of the week (June 7 and 9) as they look to take the opportunity to juggle their formation and system.

Among the squad is new captain Bob White, back in action after recovering from hip surgery.

"Bob White may see some action later in the week," confirmed Baillie.

"The main focus is more on Nick Satchwell and Jesper Parker, but Bob will definitely play at some point."

Britain are the first in a series of European tests for Brazil, who then face Denmark, Norway and Portugal in preparation for the Pan American Games this October.

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