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Brazil's Mano Menezes relieved after avoiding 'cruel' defeat against Paraguay
The coach was pleased with how his team adapted to early pressure from Gerardo Martino's charges after a 2-2 draw, and defended his players after what he dubbed an away fixture
10 Jul 2011 08:30:00
By Trevor Allen
Mano Menezes - Brasil ( Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / CBF)
Brazil coach Mano Menezes says that Paraguay would not have been deserving winners of the two sides’ Copa America match on Saturday.
The defending South American champions needed a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw. Jadson gave Brazil the lead in the first-half but goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez put Paraguay ahead. However, Fred saved his nation’s blushes by slotting home the equaliser in the dying minutes.
"It would have been cruel to suffer a defeat," Menezes told reporters after the match. "Paraguay did little to beat us.
"They started better, so we had to adjust. Then we took control, made it 1-0 and applied pressure.”
Menezes also called for "patience" from the Brazilian fans and argued that Brazil were playing as the "visiting team", given the massive Paraguayan support inside the Mario Kempes Stadium.
Brazil sit in third place in Group B behind Paraguay and leaders Venezuela. They take on Ecuador in their final game of the group stage.
| Bet: | Returns: | Argentina £24.50 | Draw £32.50 | Brazil £26.00 |
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The defending South American champions needed a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw. Jadson gave Brazil the lead in the first-half but goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez put Paraguay ahead. However, Fred saved his nation’s blushes by slotting home the equaliser in the dying minutes.
"It would have been cruel to suffer a defeat," Menezes told reporters after the match. "Paraguay did little to beat us.
"They started better, so we had to adjust. Then we took control, made it 1-0 and applied pressure.”
Menezes also called for "patience" from the Brazilian fans and argued that Brazil were playing as the "visiting team", given the massive Paraguayan support inside the Mario Kempes Stadium.
Brazil sit in third place in Group B behind Paraguay and leaders Venezuela. They take on Ecuador in their final game of the group stage.
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