Brazil stars in flat draw

BRAZIL have flattered to deceive as the five-time world champions were held to frustrating 0-0 draw by a makeshift England side in a disappointing friendly at Wembley yesterday.

Brazil manager Tite fielded his big guns, including the world’s most expensive player Neymar, but despite the samba-rhythm that beat out from their 5000 fans, the men in the yellow shirts failed to fire. England manager Gareth Southgate probably learnt more about some of his fringe players who, as they did in a goalless draw with world champions Germany last week, defended with great discipline.

Brazil cruised through South American qualifying for next year’s World Cup, and had won 13 of their 16 matches since Tite took over, but rarely tested Joe Hart, the first England keeper with a clean sheet against them since 1990.