Fred the best striker in Brazil, says coach

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 10 (IANS):

Fluminense coach Abel Braga declared striker Fred as “the best in Brazil” after his dramatic late goal earned the reigning Brazilian champions a 1-1 draw against Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s Campeonato Carioca.

Fred’s two missed early chances looked costly when Brazil teammate Jean turned the ball into his own net on the stroke of half-time at the Engenhao stadium Saturday, reports Xinhua.

But the 29-year-old atoned for his early wastefulness by thumping an angled header past goalkeeper Alessandro after a pinpoint Carlinhos cross three minutes from time.

“Fred missed two of the easier chances and scored from the most difficult,” Braga said after the match.

“He has shown himself the great striker that he is. The cross was good but the header was difficult because he put the ball in the other direction. Only great players can do that. We are very happy to have the best forward in Brazil at our club.”

Fred was last month recalled to Brazil’s national squad by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and scored in the team’s 1-2 defeat to England at Wembley stadium last Wednesday.