Share

Hulk set to return for Brazil

Brasilia - Under pressure but undeterred, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he would return to the same starting lineup that delivered an opening Soccer World Cup win over Croatia for Monday's Group A clash with Cameroon.

That would mean Ramires dropping to the bench and a recall for forward Hulk, who did not feature in the 0-0 draw with Mexico because of a thigh muscle problem.

"I will continue with the lineup that started the first match and depending on the performance I might make some changes," Scolari told reporters on Sunday.

"We have to be very careful, very attentive as we have not qualified."

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in their opener before the Mexico stalemate which left them on four points - level with the Central Americans at the top of the group, while the European side are a point back after beating Cameroon 4-0.

An unthinkable defeat against the disjointed and eliminated Africans at the Brasilia national stadium could see the hosts exit at the first hurdle for the first time since 1966. Scolari said the pressure was on his team.

"We know we have two results to get tomorrow(Monday) - a tie or victory," the 2002 World Cup winning coach said, before reciting the over used soccer mantra 'there are no easy games'.

"Of course we are all anxious, even if we had already qualified there would be anxiety over whether we would be first or second.

"This anxiety makes you make mistakes but we have been working on this in training so the players are at ease, but know in order to continue we must carry on working hard.

"I'm not going to change my team, I really trust my squad."

Ramires lasted only a half against Mexico down the left before being substituted for Bernard at the break as the Brazilian frontline struggled to break down a strong Mexican rearguard, led by impressive goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Striker Fred was another who failed to make an impact and was replaced by Jo in the second half against the Mexicans, while questions were asked about the performance of midfielder Paulinho who again looked below par.

The fiercely loyal Scolari said his side would continue to get better and dismissed concerns about the 25-year-old box-to-box midfielder.

"He has been improving his performance on what he had been doing in the past.

"I trust him, I admire him as a person, the way he is and the dedication, he might not be at his best moment but I trust him and tomorrow he will be back at a better level," he said, before discussing the team's standards.

"We already have a better tactical and physical condition than in the first match.

"In the game against Mexico we improved, that's my opinion, if we continue as we have we can win tomorrow(Monday) and qualify."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1814 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1082 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE