'England are a complete team' - Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari has labelled England a complete team
Jun 3, 2013 1:17:00 AM
The Brazil boss praised his side's efforts in what he felt was a tough challenge against Roy Hodgson's men in Rio on Sunday
Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has labelled England a "complete team" after the 2-2 draw between the sides at the Maracana.The Selecao dominated the first half of Sunday's friendly and though Fred's goal gave them the lead in the second period, the Three Lions grew into the game and struck twice through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wayne Rooney, before Paulinho secured a draw for the hosts.
"We were exceptional in the first half in terms of positioning, but in the second-half we did the one thing that I do not like - we gave them too much space," Scolari told reporters after the game.
"We allowed England to dominate, play their game and to score goals.
"The fans expected us to win. They wanted goals, they wanted this, they wanted that, but they do not realise how hard it is to play against England.
"They have many experienced players and they are already a complete team."
Scolari's men continue their preparations for the Confederations Cup by hosting France next Sunday, and the former Portugal boss says he could field an identical side to the team that faced England.
He added: "The team that will start the match against France is about 90 per cent the one we lined up today, or even 100%, depending on training.
"Somethings will have to be worked out. Oscar, for example, has just played his 71st match in the season so we will make some decisions during the week.
"Fred is just coming back from injury, as is Luis Gustavo who arrived on Friday, so he may need more time to adapt."
Meanwhile, defender Dani Alves has issued an ominous warning to the world's finest teams by claiming the "wins are coming" for the Selecao, whose draw with England was the country's fourth in six matches since Scolari took charge.
"We produced a good performance, but the result was not what we expected," he told reporters.
"This is the path our coach has set for us and we must follow it. The wins are coming, and we will strive to make it happen as soon as possible."
Selecao begin their Confederations Cup campaign on June 15 by hosting Japan in Brasilia. ------------------------- goal.com
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