www射-国产免费一级-欧美福利-亚洲成人福利-成人一区在线观看-亚州成人

Brazil draw with Croatia in friendly
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-18 09:42

SPLIT, Croatia, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Croatia held Brazil to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday in a friendly dominated by the world champions.

Ronaldo (R) of Brazil and Josip Simunic of Croatia chase the ball during their friendly match in the Adriatic port city of Split August 17, 2005. [Reuters]

The home side's early hard work paid off in the 32nd minute when CSKA Moscow forward Ivica Olic hit the post and Niko Kranjcar slotted in the rebound.

Brazil hit back 10 minutes later when Ricardinho sent an 18-metre free kick into the top right-hand corner of the net.

The South Americans went close to taking the lead in the 69th minute when Adriano struck the post.

Adriano also went wide with a header, as did Ronaldo with a shot from the edge of the box.

Both countries fielded their strongest possible teams as they warmed up for World Cup qualifiers in September.

Brazil were only without Ronaldinho and Roque Junior, who are suspended for the tie with Chile on September 4.

"It was evident that my players are not yet in their best condition. They are still lacking regular competitive rhythm. Taking all that into consideration, I think that a draw was a fair outcome," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira told reporters.

Croatia, who missed injured Rangers striker Dado Prso, top European Zone Group Eight with 16 points.

They are one point ahead of Sweden and six ahead of Hungary. Croatia go to Iceland for their next qualifier on September 3 before meeting Malta four days later.

Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar said: "We showed that we can compete with the best players in the world.

"My team fulfilled the tasks I gave them and I'm convinced we can look forward to our coming World Cup qualifiers with optimism."

Brazil have not lost to a European team since they were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in March 2003.

Close

Bao Chunlai advances at IBF Badminton worlds Man U beat Everton 2-0 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Singapore: China-India ties to anchor new Asia century         China, Russia start joint military exercises         US, China said close to broad textile deal         Foreign banks to buy Guangdong bank shares         Mainland scrambles to help Taiwan airlines         US in touch with N. Korea ahead of nuke talks	World Cup Qualifier: Japan on top; Korea lose       Denmark send England to biggest loss in 25 years       Brazil draw with Croatia in friendly       Du Wei pleads with Shenhua to lower price       With Finley on market, Sprewell must wait       Gerrard wants Owen back; Beckham hopes he stay