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Dunga's men are Cup favorites - Capello

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-16 09:25

DOHA: Fabio Capello has identified Brazil as the side to beat at next year's World Cup after a second-string England side was on the receiving end of what their Italian coach admitted had been a tough lesson.

The ease with which Brazil dominated Saturday's friendly was not fully reflected in the 1-0 victory earned by a superbly-taken header from Villarreal striker Nilmar.

A penalty miss by Luis Fabiano ensured England, captained for the first time by Wayne Rooney, theoretically remained in contention until the end.

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But overall, the evening served to underline the importance of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard - all of whom were absent injured - being fit if England are to have any hope of challenging in next year's finals.

Brazil never demonstrated the kind of gear changes that will be required to overcome the likes of Spain in South Africa next year. But a cautious England never required them to and Capello admitted he had been impressed.

"I learned a lot," he said. "This Brazil is a very good side, the strongest in the world now, I think.

"They are really good techincally and fast but they are also really strong physcially. Whenever they lose the ball, they win it back very quickly. It is very difficult to find the space to play against them."

Brazil coach Dunga was reluctant to accept the tag of World Cup favorites that Capello wanted to bestow on his side.

"I think Brazil is balanced, technically and tactically and also the physical conditioning of the players is very good," he said.

AFP