We will be scarred for life: Brazil Striker Fred

Belo Horizonte, July 9:

Brazil striker Fred has said the team’s 7-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Germany will leave a permanent scar on the Selecao’s players.

“I am very sad and disappointed for the way it happened,” Xinhua quoted Fred as saying. “This was the worst match of our lives.”

“A loss like this will mark the careers of all of us. It leaves a scar that we’ll have to carry for the rest of our lives,” he added.

The defeat at Belo Horizonte’s Mineirao stadium Tuesday was Brazil’s first competitive loss on home soil since stumbling 3-1 to Peru in the 1975 Copa America.

It was also the heaviest defeat ever suffered by a World Cup host and equalled the Selecao’s biggest losing margin.

Fred, who scored just one goal for the tournament, was the target of jeers by Brazil fans when he was substituted for Willian in the 69th minute.

He denied being affected by the crowd’s reaction.

“That doesn’t disappoint me and doesn’t make me sad,” the 30-year-old said. “Boos are a part of football. What hurts me is the result.”

(IANS)