Luiz Felipe Scolari hails Brazil's 6-0 rout of Australia

Brasilia, Sep 8 (IANS)

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari heaped praise on midfield pair Ramires and Bernard after the Selecao’s thrashed Australia 6-0 victory in an international football friendly here.

Atletico Mineiro forward Jo netted a brace while Neymar, Ramires, Pato and Luiz Gustavo also scored in the victory at Brasilia’s Mane Garrincha stadium, reports Xinhua.

Ramires and Bernard shone in midfield having been drafted into Scolari’s starting lineup after injuries to Hulk (hamstring) and Oscar (ankle) during the week.

“He is agile, fast and can be used either as an attacking midfielder or defender,” Scolari said of Ramires, who also provided the assist for Neymar’s goal

“The more versatile the player is, the better he is for me. He is a modern player who can help change the team’s setup during a match if needed.”

Bernard, who moved to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk from Atletico Mineiro last month, set up both of Jo’s goals and troubled Australia’s defence with his pace on the right wing.

“He was great. He can play on either the right or left-hand side with excellent tactical awareness,” Scolari said. “He is gaining points and cementing his place in the team.”

Brazil will have just three days to recover before their friendly against Portugal in Boston while Australia’s next match is against France in Paris, Oct 11.