A Fred goal deep into second half stoppage time rescued a 1-1 draw for Brazil against Russia at Stamford Bridge this evening.
Russia were the first to test the opposition keeper, doing so with a powerful free kick in the fifth minute. It was Sergei Ignashevic who took it, but Julio Cesar was down well to keep it out.
Alexander Kerzhakov came close shortly afterwards when he was found unmarked at the back post, but he could only lash his shot wide of the post.
Kerzhakov came even closer just two minutes later when Brazil again failed to deal with a Russian corner. The ball fell to the Russia striker, but this time his effort was cleared off the line by Hernanes.
Brazil's first real sight of goal came 10 minutes before the break when Marcelo's cross looked set to find Fred in the middle, but Vassili Berezutski did enough to deny the Brazilian striker.
Viktor Faizulin almost broke the deadlock just before the break having been well found by Kerzhakov's pass, but his powerful strike flew narrowly wide of the target.
Russia's goal eventually came with 15 minutes left on the clock when Faizulin finished off a frantic goalmouth scramble that saw both Kerzhakov and Roman Shirokov denied in quick succession.
Brazil looked to respond immediately, and almost did when Hulk picked out Marcelo, who hammered an effort just past Vladimir Gabulov's goal.
They did get their equaliser in the 93rd minute, however, and once again Hulk and Marcelo were involved. The duo linked up before the latter crossed to find Fred, who tapped home from close range to clinch a draw for his side.
Barney Corkhill
