Football: Scolari upbeat despite Brazil no-show

LONDON: Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari insists his side are showing signs of improvement despite their lacklustre display in a 1-1 draw against Russia at Stamford Bridge.

Scolari’s side were given a fright against Fabio Capello’s Russia who took the lead in Monday’s friendly through Victor Fayzulin’s 73rd minute strike.

Fluminense forward Fred equalised in the 90th minute to spare the blushes of the 2014 World Cup hosts when he tapped home Marcelo’s cross from close range.

“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,” said Scolari.

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.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2013.