Tuesday 26 March 2013

VIDEO: Winless Scolari refusing to panic as Russia hold Brazil

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari insists his side are showing signs of improvement despite their lacklustre display in a 1-1 draw against Russia on Monday night.

Scolari's side were given a fright against Fabio Capello's Russia who took the lead in front of a sparse crowd at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge through Victor Fayzulin's 73rd minute strike.

Fluminense forward Fred spared the blushes of the 2014 World Cup hosts when he tapped home Marcelo's cross from close range in the final minute to rescue a draw.

For Scolari the fixture marked a return to Chelsea, where he spent seven months before being sacked by Roman Abramovich in 2009, but he failed to take the opportunity to prove a point to the Blues' Russian owner.

The Selecao, continuing on their global tour in the build up to staging the World Cup in a little over a year, clearly have plenty of room for improvement. But Scolari is confident is team is heading in the right direction.

"I think that from the game against Italy (which they drew 2-2 last Thursday) to this game we kept the same level, but we were playing against a team that were well organised," Scolari said.

"Of the 54 countries trying to qualify for the World Cup, Russia are the only one to have not conceded. They kept the ball well and we maybe let that goal in because the team marked high up the pitch and closed the gaps so much more. In football it's not necessarily the best team that always wins.

"What I really liked is that towards the end our team had a good reaction and didn't get desperate. They kept their heads and played the ball because they knew they would have chances. I believe we are on the right path.

"Everyone knows there are no short cuts for success and you need to win in stages. In each stage we try to improve and that is the only way to success - that is what we are doing now."

Brazil are without a win in their last five and last week they threw away a 2-0 lead against Italy, eventually drawing 2-2. But Scolari is happy with the progress of his side. "We need to continue to work with the group. The Brazilian fans can be sure they will have a very good group they will be happy with in the World Cup," he added.

Catch the highlights from Brazil's clash with Russia below:

 

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