Exeter were beaten 1-0 by a Brazil Masters side, including many of their 1994 World Cup-winning team, in a friendly at St James' Park on Sunday.
It marked the 90th anniversary of Brazil's game against City in Rio in 1914 - the country's first match against an overseas professional club.
The only goal came when Dan Clay was adjudged to have fouled Silas, and Careca converted the resulting penalty.
Steve Flack went close for City but had a shot well saved by keeper Wagner.
City received another boost ahead of the game with the news that the Inland Revenue has dropped its legal challenge against the Company Voluntary Agreement which was reached with their creditors last October.