International Friendly: Brazil vs Russia Match Report

Brazil were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a late Fred goal against an organised Russian side on a bitterly cold evening at Stamford Bridge.

Fred’s 90^th minute tap in was a response to the 73^rd minute goal by Russia’s Viktor Fayzulin following a scrappy goal-mouth scramble.

Russia started the brighter of the two sides, with centre back Sergei Ignashevich stinging the palms of Julio Cesar early with a well-driven free kick. The momentum stayed with the Russians as a couple of corners were nervously kept out by a shaky looking Brazilian defence after good chances fell to both Shirokov and Kerzhakov.

Brazil grew into the match as the half progressed, with Neymar failing to capitilise on two fantastic crosses from local boys Oscar and David Luiz.

However, it was Russia who entered the break with the momentum after some fantastic hold-up play by Kerzhakov allowed him to play through Fayzulin who saw his shot turned around the post by Julio Cesar. Soon after some quick feet from Alan Dzagoev released Kerzhakov but he pulled his shot over the bar.

Source: uefa.com

After the break Scolari’s men came out of the blocks faster with some slick passing and quick feet but were still unable to test the Russian goal; Capello’s well organised defensive unit limiting Brazil to long-shots.

Eventually the Russian resilience paid off as Fayzulin rifled the ball home, the Russian reacting quickest to Shirokov’s blocked shot following a long goal-mouth scramble in the 73^rd minute.

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

After the goal Brazil stepped up a gear, with a new urgency in their play. The danger looked to be coming from the left hand side with substitute Hulk proving to be a real handful. It was from the left where the eventual equaliser came from, with Marcelo and Hulk linking up allowing Marcelo to cross for Fred to tap into an empty net right on the 90 minute mark.

The game did not end there though, as a late chance for Russia saw Shirokov balloon the ball over the bar from inside the 6 yard box with seconds left to play. None the less, Capello will be pleased to have seen his side continue their fine form in the run up to this friendly. On the other hand, it seems as though the lack of competitive games is taking its toll on Brazil in the run up to the 2014 World Cup, as they are yet to win a match yet under Scolari in his second stint as Brazil manager.