Young England stifle Neymar’s Brazil

AFP, LONDON: Neymar and his Brazil colleagues were held to a frustrating goalless draw after a spirited display by a callow England team in Tuesday's friendly match at Wembley Stadium.

Brazil coach Tite was able to name a first-choice starting XI, but despite the presence of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho in the visitors' line-up, they tested England goalkeeper Joe Hart only three times.

For Gareth Southgate's England, who were once again without stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling through injury, it was a second successive encouraging 0-0 draw following Friday's stalemate with Germany.

Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke's appearance as a late substitute made him the sixth England player to have made his debut over the two games.

It was a case of back to the drawing board for Tite.

Brazil have won 13 of their 17 games since he took charge in June 2016, but their failure to unsettle such green opponents raised questions about their prospects of a sixth World Cup triumph in Russia next year.

There was a samba band in the away fans' section and the visitors' forward forays drew shrill cheers from their yellow-shirted compatriots in the stands, but Brazil's football was all style and little substance.

Jesus worked Hart with a near-post header from a Dani Alves cross 12 minutes in.

Yet for all their back-heels and bravado, Brazil made few inroads, with Neymar twice ballooning shots high into the seating behind Hart's goal.

England worked Brazil goalkeeper Alisson only once before half-time and he had little trouble fielding a rasping drive from Marcus Rashford.

 

Young England stifle Neymars Brazil

AFP, LONDON: Neymar and his Brazil colleagues were held to a frustrating goalless draw after a spirited display by a callow England team in Tuesdays friendly match at Wembley Stadium. Brazil coach Tite was able to name a first-choice starting XI, but despite the presence of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho in the visitors line-up, they tested England goalkeeper Joe Hart only three times. For Gareth Southgates England, who were once again without stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling through injury, it was a second successive encouraging 0-0 draw following Fridays stalemate with Germany. Liverpool forward Dominic Solankes appearance as a late substitute made him the sixth England player to have made his debut over the two games. It was a case of back to the drawing board for Tite. Brazil have won 13 of their 17 games since he took charge in June 2016, but their failure to unsettle such green opponents raised questions about their prospects of a sixth World Cup triumph in Russia next year. There was a samba band in the away fans section and the visitors forward forays drew shrill cheers from their yellow-shirted compatriots in the stands, but Brazils football was all style and little substance. Jesus worked Hart with a near-post header from a Dani Alves cross 12 minutes in. Yet for all their back-heels and bravado, Brazil made few inroads, with Neymar twice ballooning shots high into the seating behind Harts goal. England worked Brazil goalkeeper Alisson only once before half-time and he had little trouble fielding a rasping drive from Marcus Rashford.