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Monday, June 03, 2013

FOOTBALL : Brazil 2-2 England - all square at the Maracana

Brazil dominated early, but needed a late goal to scramble a 2-2 draw with England in a friendly at the rebuilt Maracana stadium in Rio De Janerio.

Brazil, the 2014 World Cup hosts, dominated the first half, as they pulled England apart but failed to score as English keeper Joe Hart made a series of fine saves and blocks.

The second half looked to be following the same script after Fred put Brazil ahead on 57 minutes but England changed tactics and started to come forward and created three good chances in the next 25 minutes.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain levelled the score with a quality low drive from the edge of the penalty area, and then 12 minutes later Wayne Rooney gave England the lead after a determined run and a 25-yard shot that was deflected and looped over the stranded keeper.

Paulinho levelled the score three minutes later, with a fine volley - meeting a cross 12-yards out and driving the ball just inside the far post, but England can take credit from battling through a period when they were outclassed by Brazil to come away with a draw.

Brazil, whose last match at the old Maracana was a goalless draw against Colombia in a World Cup qualifier in 2008, have drawn four of their six games since 2002 World Cup winner Phillipe Scolari returned for a second stint as manager, only beating Bolivia.

GOALS :
Brazil - Fred (57), Paulinho (82)
England - Oxlade-Chamberlain (67), Rooney (79)

STATS :
Possession - Brazil 59% - England 41%
Shots -------- Brazil 29 - England 8

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