Home press concerned about state of the national team.
Brazil supporters are anxious about the Selecao’s chances of winning what would be a sixth World Cup when the tournament kicks off on home soil next summer after yet another limp display in their 1-1 friendly draw with Russia at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Fluminense forward Fred grabbed a last-gasp equaliser after Victor Fayzulin had put the Russians ahead, and, although 2002 winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, in his second spell in charge of the auriverde, insisted his team is progressing, fans and media are unimpressed to date.
“Draw with Russia shows that Felipao (Scolari) still has much to do,” said national daily O Globo.
“As yet they have not given the fans any reason to feel confident the team is well set along the road to shining at the Confederations Cup (which Brazil hosts this June) and the 2014 World Cup,” O Globo added.
“Only Fred emerged with any credit – preventing defeat” with his third goal in three games, said sports daily Lance, which blasted the “awful performance” of the five-times world champions.
“Brazil just avoided defeat – at least we didn’t lose,” scolded Estado de Sao Paulo, while Folha de Sao Paulo slammed Scolari, who took over last November from sacked Mano Menzes and who started off his second reign with a loss to England.
The Selecao are now without a win in their last five matches and also threw away a 2-0 lead against the Italians.
The samba stars’ next matches will be workouts against Bolivia and Chile using just home-based players.
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