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Brazil 2 - England 2: player ratings - man-for-man marking from the Maracana

 

Glenn Moore
Monday 03 June 2013 12:04 BST
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Our assessment of the players following England's 2-2 draw with five-time world champions Brazil.

Brazil

JULIO CESAR 7

Looked to be having a rather different experience from being at the sharp end of QPR's fight against relegation, but in the end this was much the same. Good save from Walcott. Little chance for goals.

DANI ALVES 5

Rampaged forward as usual which, in the heat, meant even Milner's physical prowess was tested, but the Barcelona defender's use of ball was surprisingly poor, as was some of his defending.

THIAGO SILVA 6

Fresh from his title-winning season at Paris St Germain. Cruised through first half as England struggle to penetrate. Less comfortable in the second period

DAVID LUIZ 6

Always ready to step out of defence as he does at Chelsea but tended not to have as much impact. Ran away from Rooney for goal instead of closing him down.

FELIPE LUIS 6

Atletico Madrid defender who showed the customary eagerness to attack of a Brazilian full-back. No Roberto Carlos, but better than Andre Santos. Replaced at half-time by Marcelo.

LUIS GUSTAVO 6

Quiet afternoon in the holding role for the Bayern Munich player before he was replaced at the break by Hernanes.

PAULINHO 7

Took his goal superbly having advanced from a more prosaic holding role after Fernando came on. Had previously kept the ball moving simply.

OSCAR 8

Few have played more matches this season than the indefatigable Chelsea midfielder who began at the Olympics. Still full of running and imagination. Boos when he was removed.

NEYMAR 7

Continually in possession and always a threat but decision-making sometimes awry. Faded as the match wore on, but a year at Barcelona should set him up perfectly for next year's World Cup.

HULK 6

Prefers to play more centrally and was often bypassed in his flank role. Clever flick almost brought first-half goal. Booked for scissor tackle on Carrick. Withdrawn.

FRED 7

Not the most technically gifted player by Brazilian standards, but good goal record and clever movement earns him place in side justified again by his 58th-minute goal.

BEST FROM THE BENCH: HERNANES More positive than Gustavo and hit the bar prior to Fred's goal.

England

HART 9

Outstanding first-half showing sharp reactions, good positioning, safe handling and bravery. Distribution less impressive. Unable to stop either goal.

JOHNSON 7

Curate's egg of a performance, as is often the case. Lost Neymar early and was saved by Hart, but composed clearance from Oscar cross followed by superb pass for Walcott chance. Subbed after an hour.

CAHILL 7

Rearguard action from the start as Brazil delivered waves of attacks. May wonder if he should have stepped out to close down Paulinho before the latter's goal.

JAGIELKA 7

Sought to build from the back but too often let down by the players ahead of him. Reacted slowly for Fred's goal. Like Cahill, stuck at it and will have learned much.

BAINES 5

Last and maybe weakest performance of impressive season. Looked uncomfortable even before suffering a muscle injury. Replaced by Ashley Cole after half-an-hour.

WALCOTT 6

Had a few chances to run at Brazil but all came to naught. Wasted good opportunity shortly before half-time. Maybe could have played as central striker ahead of Rooney.

JONES 5

Played on the right of a midfield trio, by no means his best position, and it showed. Moved to full-back after Johnson went off but still found it tough and was booked.

CARRICK 7

Played holding role presumably because of his distributive skills but was too often manning the barricade - like many his distribution improved as match wore on.

LAMPARD 6

Busy trying to stem the flow of attacks. Fortunate to escape when bringing down Oscar. Unable to get forward often but did test Cesar once.

MILNER 7

Mr Consistency found chasing Dani Alves hard work. Conceded possession and free-kicks too readily. Persevered and came close to leveller in strong second period.

ROONEY 7

Impressive goal, proof that England need to get their most talented player on the ball more often but for a long time was isolated in attack. At times sloppy in possession.

BEST FROM THE BENCH: OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN. Pepped up team even before superbly taken 67th-minute strike.

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