Saturday 27 December 2014

Gateshead 2 - 2 FC Halifax Town


FC Halifax Town claimed a valuable Boxing Day point in a 2-2 draw against Gateshead at the International Stadium.

The trip to the North East was like stepping into the Eastern Block for a European away day - gloomy and bitterly cold weather conditions on a wintry December afternoon, enhanced by the open layout of the ground which doubles up as an athletics arena, the tell tale running track framed the hallowed turf.

In truth it bore more significance to both sets off supporters, a win for either side would have propelled them into the play off places. The Shay faithful had travelled well and were in good voice throughout.

The Shaymen got off to a fantastic start; in form Lois Maynard headed the opening goal early doors from a pinpoint Marc Roberts cross, before veteran John Oster levelled things up almost instantly.

Halifax was the better side, playing to their capabilities. A rare start for Jamie Jackson proved a masterstroke by Neil Aspin. Town’s number nine contributed to everything positive that the visitors had to offer with his concise passing, pace, and tricks and flicks.

The midfield combined well and Maynard found space once more, this time from a speculative distance of 40 yards. The midfielder light fly and the ball moved wickedly en route to goal, wrong footing Gateshead goalkeeper Adam Bartlett to make it 1-2 to the away side.

Back came the Tynesiders however, James Bolton bringing Rob Ramshaw to ground in an easy penalty decision for the referee Ryan Johnson.

Up stepped joint club top scorer Danny Wright to slot home from 12 yards and provide Gateshead’s second equaliser of the first half to go in 2-2 at the break.

The home side began to create more opportunities than the visitors in the second half, with the introduction of Michael Rankine, who provided pace and power but no cutting edge to a plethora of chances.

Town threatened on the break and looked dangerous late on.
Jackson, who only needed a goal to cap off a fine performance, was put through by on loan Will Hatfield.

Despite doing everything right in preparation, Jackson put the ball agonisingly wide by millimetres.

The Boxing Day game at the International Stadium finished 2-2 – a good point on their travels for FC Halifax Town, and a fair reflection on the second half. Town could well have nicked it on another day.

Next up for Halifax is a home game against Chester, less than 48 hours removed from their trip to the North East. Kick off is 3pm at the Shay.

Scott Boden Post Match vs. Bradford City - FA Cup 1st Round


It was heartbreak for FC Halifax Town as they fell to a 1-2 defeat to League One Bradford City in the FA Cup first round at a packed Shay stadium.

Striker Scott Boden gave his assessment on the game that lived up to it’s billing as arguably the tie of the round.

“It gave a little insight into what we’re about, a nice little eye opener to a few people who possibly think its just hoof ball and everything, I mean at times I think we played some good stuff.”

Good stuff indeed as Town got off to the best possible start through a hat trick of corner kicks, early pressure that bore fruit.

Inside three minutes Lois Maynard latched on to Paul Marshall’s set piece to send the Shay faithful into delirium.

“Took the pressure straight off us and bombarded them straight away, the fans were straight on their backs, we couldn’t of asked for a better start to be honest with you.”

From then on it was a chance a plenty for the Shaymen, while Bradford were left reeling. Boden himself went close, as did former Bantam Steve Williams.

“I had a couple, Willo’s had one, its crucial, that second goal was crucial in the match if it was for us or for them, unfortunately for us, they found it. I had a chance, I’d call it guilt edged myself, should have hit the target at least but you cant look back now.”

Town went into the half time break with their heads held high; the home side had matched the League One outfit all over the park.

Bradford’s Phil Parkinson was the first of the two managers to make changes and introduced striker Billy Clarke immediately into the second half. It was an inspired change as Clarke’s trickery caused major problems for the hosts.

Within five minutes of the restart Clarke played an influential role in Jon Stead’s equalising goal. Moments later, Clarke fed Portuguese midfielder Filipe Morais who gave the Bantams the lead for the first time in the match.

“To be honest its changed the game, he’s one of those players that just drops into little pockets, I mean defenders don’t know whether to go with him or to drop off, he picked the ball up I don’t know how many times and dictated play second half and when you bring on a player like that what can you do when he’s got top draw quality.

From my point of view it was never in the plans to sit back and soak up pressure, they just had a little 10 minutes with wave after wave to score two goals and you get punished by teams of that calibre.”

The Shaymen came back full of heart, desire and unparalleled work rate - hustling and harrying the opposition, throwing everything including the proverbial kitchen sink at Bradford.

Town peppered the Bantams goal to ensure a grandstand finish and on another day could well have grabbed at least a draw with their West Yorkshire neighbours.

“I shot first on the turn and Bradford’s blocked it, Robbo’s had it off the line and I think the place, the roof, would have come off if we had scored in the last minute but not to be.”

The memorable FA Cup tie was a feast of football for a crowd topping eight thousand at the Shay, a fantastic spectacle with the added spice of a West Yorkshire derby.

“There were a few little cheeky moments, the fans in general though - the noise, that’s how you knew it meant a lot to everyone around and involved with this club.

As a team we were hoping (for a big crowd), never expected seven/eight thousand but we were hoping there would be and hopefully we’ve given them a little something to come back and watch again.”

Its all hands to the pump in the league as the Shaymen travel to Grimsby this Tuesday evening. The Mariners will provide a stern test as they did back in September when the two sides fought to a 1-1 draw, Scott Nielson the pick of the Grimsby players.

“Back to reality really, I mean a lot of people wouldn’t of expected us to go one nil up and put them under pressure like we did but we’re back to our bread and butter now that’s what we really need to crack on with and hopefully another big performance on Tuesday.”

FCHT return to the Shay next Sunday for the visit of Woking, a game to be contested in front of the same TV cameras that captured the high drama of the FA Cup.

Friday 22 August 2014

Tony Yeboah - A tale of romantic nostalgia




Nineteen years have now passed since Tony Yeboah's thunderbolt at Elland Road against Liverpool on August 21st 1995.

That 25-yard screamer would send Leeds United top of the Premier League and go some way to immortalising Yeboah in club folklore.

“I don’t score many with my right foot. Normally I prefer my left foot. But it’s a fantastic feeling to score a goal like that and it’s important that when you play a club like Liverpool, you win.” Yeboah said.

His rocket against the Reds with his ‘weaker foot’ would be overshadowed by a stratospheric solo effort at Wimbledon a month later that won many plaudits, including Match of the Day’s goal of the season competition for 1995/96.

Both strikes saw Yeboah become the first player in Premier League history to win back-to-back goal of the month competitions.

Debate rages on to this day over which goal was better.

I was a mere boy (7 years old) when the Ghanaian marvel was lighting up Elland Road and the Premier League.

Of course the slightly grainy archive footage as it would be viewed today still endures almost two decades on, long before the exclamation of fandangled HD.

High definition Yeboah's show reel may not be, a factor that only adds to the appeal if you asked me, but some of the goals were nevertheless straight out of the top drawer.

Yeboah was a relative unknown when he joined Leeds in January 1995, initially on loan before making his switch to Yorkshire permanent that summer for £3.4m from German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.


However, the Bundesliga was well acquainted with Yeboah’s goal scoring exploits. The Ghana international scored 68 times in 123 appearances for Frankfurt.

He soon announced himself to the Leeds faithful, netting 8 goals in his first 9 games for the club.

Leeds manager at the time Howard Wilkinson remarked, “I'd never actually seen him play, but I watched him a lot on Eurosport. I remember thinking: `Christ, what a player'. What you saw him do in Monaco he did for four years in the Bundesliga. `Routine' goals from three yards, wallops from 20 or 30. Right foot or left, headers. The lot.

As it turns out Tony looks a bargain at what we paid. But it doesn't matter what he's worth because he's here now and we won't sell him. So what is the catch? There isn't one - maybe it's a case of right place, right time.”

The 1995/96 season is my earliest conscious memory of the beautiful game.
As many may enthuse, at that young age supporting your hometown club is a truly immersive experience.

For a 7 year old me was fraught with innocence, naivety and a distinct lack of cynicism towards football, as in life.

I remember scampering off to primary school on the Monday morning, (usually a drab, rain swept affair) the first exchange amongst friends was often one simple question, which broke through the dull British weather like a ray of sunlight; 'did you watch the football at the weekend?'

A tale as old as time perhaps, but an enquiry that spans generations the world over and sticks with you from your formative years through to adulthood.

The mere hint of the lily-white shirt embossed with the blue suede tinge of Thistle Hotels and stitched Asics kit sponsor takes me back to a simpler time.

A time when the sun shined (inexcusably drab Mondays aside) accompanied by the smell of freshly cut grass.

Of playing football with your mates all day until it was dark. Even then, whether you were losing by a cricket score or comfortably on top, ‘next goal wins’ was the only way to separate the winners from the losers.

An idyllic and somewhat rose-tinted view of infancy in the mid-nineties to put it lightly, nostalgia of romantic proportions - the now fully developed cynic within me admits.

But it's those fond memories that melt this ice-cold heart.

The Thistle Hotels/Asics home shirt of 95/96 would be my first football kit as a youngster, which for me at least, became synonymous with the time period.


However, I suppose the general consensus of that kit may not be reminisced upon so fondly, instead a love/hate relationship, for all the good times, there was invariably the bad.

It was of course the kit the team wore at Wembley for the Coca Cola League Cup final of 1996.

A 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa seemed to signal the end for Howard Wilkinson as that one-sided result beneath the towers of the old Wembley reverberated into league form.

Leeds after such a promising start to the campaign lost six games on the spin come the final game of the season, to finish an uninspired 13th in the Premier League.

For Yeboah, cult hero status was solidified through his performances on the pitch, in part down to the breathtaking goals he scored.

He became the first non-English player to win the clubs player of the year award following the 1995/96 season.

The Whites number 21 despatched 32 goals from 66 appearances over two years at Leeds with his right foot, left foot, and head from a plethora of angles that at times looked superhuman.


The hat trick against Monaco that took Yeboah to 20 goals from 20 starts in all competitions, his sublime strike from 25 yards against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday and his mazy run at the Manchester United defence before blasting past Peter Schmeichel on Christmas Eve in a 3-1 victory over the old enemy.

A striker with pace and power I can only liken to Didier Drogba in the modern era.

In 47 Premier League matches he netted 24 times and goes down as one of the greatest foreign imports ever to grace England’s top division.

Sadly his tenure with Leeds was to be a relatively fleeting one.

Following a string of injuries at the beginning of the 1996/97 Premier League season, coupled with the departure of Howard Wilkinson and the appointment of George Graham at the helm of the Elland Road club, Yeboah’s days at Leeds were numbered.

Souring relations between he and new Leeds boss George Graham spelled déjà vu for the Ghanaian who had experienced similar conflict with his former manager at Frankfurt Jupp Heynckes.

It was quickly made clear to Yeboah that he was not seen as an integral part of Graham’s vision for the club moving forward and was restricted to appearances off the bench more often than not.

Yeboah moved back to Germany soon after, signing with Hamburg for £1m. He would spend four years at the Volksparkstadion, making over 100 appearances.

In his final year with the German side, they played in the Champions League for the first time in their history following the expansion of the old European Cup.

It was Yeboah who netted the clubs first Champions League goal in the extraordinary 4-4 draw with Italian giants Juventus.

The former Ghanaian international finished his career with a single season spent at Qatari outfit Al-Ittihad, where he helped the club win the Qatar Stars League and the Emir of Qatar Cup.

He was capped 59 times for his country, scoring 29 goals. He is the third highest leading goal scorer for the Black Stars behind Abedi Pele and Asamoah Gyan.

Yeboah returned to Elland Road for a proper and final farewell in front of the Leeds faithful, crossing the white line one more time for Lucas Radebe’s testimonial in 2005.

Howard Wilkson’s assessment of the striker was glowing, “Tony's unique - not just different from other strikers, but better. I've never seen or worked with a finisher like him. He thinks he'll score every time he goes out there.”

Brian Deane said of his former team mate, “We used to call Tony ‘The King’ – and he was such a kind, warm, cool, calm, collected person. It was an absolute privilege to play with him.”

His time at Elland Road will always be looked upon with fondness at the gifts he showcased in the white shirt of Leeds United.

Thank you Tony.

Monday 30 June 2014

France vs. Nigeria - Player Ratings

France

Hugo Lloris – Safe pair of hands when called upon. Good save from an Odemwingie drive from outside the box just after the hour mark. 7

Mathieu Debuchy – Struggled to find room to run into over on the right touchline. 6

Patrice Evra – Found it hard to penetrate the Nigerian defence from down the left flank. Defensively sound. 6

Yohann Cabaye – Great effort from 25 yards to rattle the crossbar on 77 minutes. It’s still shaking. 7

Raphael Varane – Composed and confident at the back, great positioning throughout. 8

Laurent Koscielny – Solid at the back for the French, perhaps could of posed more of a threat from set plays. 7

Paul Pogba – Truly majestic roaming in the middle of the park, encapsulated by a fantastic first half move started and finished by the former Manchester United man, forcing a good stop from Nigeria’s number one. Found himself in the right place, at the right time to capitalise on Enyeama’s floundering for the opening goal. 8

Blaise Matuidi – Wiry and strong in midfield. Nasty tackle on Onazi, received a yellow card but in retrospect, could have warranted more. Found it difficult in the middle second half as Nigeria controlled the game for long periods. 6

Olivier Giroud – A curious elbow left on Chelsea’s Mikel in the first half, no reprimand forthcoming as the referee didn’t see it, naughty. Few opportunities came the way of the Arsenal striker in a target man role. 6

Mathieu Valbuena – Marshalled well in the first half by the opposition but found more space to run at the Nigerian defence in the second half. Thanks in part by Griezmann’s movement. 7

Karim Benzema – In the first half the Real Madrid forward looked isolated on the left side. Came alive after the addition of Griezmann, cut in more centrally for a one two with the substitute, but for Moses tracking back on the goal line, would have score the opening goal with 20 minutes to play. Constant threat thereafter. 7

Substitutes

Antoine Griezmann – On for Giroud, positive and lively in the final third, showed some great link up play with Benzema. Created problems for the Nigerians and made a difference when he came on. Provided the spark to reignite the French. Bagged a goal late on to seal the deal. 9 (Man of the match)

Moussa Sissoko on for Valbuena – N/A

Nigeria


Vincent Enyeama – Good save to thwart Pogba in the first half. Made some vital stops after Griezmann came on. Prone to error and was at fault for France’s first goal. 7

Efetobore Ambrose Emuobo – Capable attacking option and disciplined to get back and help out his team in defence. 7

Juwon Oshaniwa – Gave the ball back to Pogba in a dangerous area to prolong a French attack. Did well to clear the ball off Pogba’s boot after an error by Enyeama in the second half to make amends. 6

John-Obi Mikel – Great work in the midfield, chased down well. Moved the ball quicker than we have seen so far in this tournament to release the likes of Musa, Moses and Ambrose on the overlap. 8

Joseph Yobo – Having amassed 100 caps for the Super Eagles, the defender was a composed presence at the back. 7

Kenneth Omeruo – Stewarded the ball well for the Super Eagles. 7

Peter Odemwingie – Good anticipation and created space to pass into. Confident in possession. 7

Ogenyi Onazi – Battered and bruised, suffered a nasty looking challenge from Matuidi in the second half, came off on a stretcher. 6

Emmanuel Emenike – Posed a real attacking threat. Good hit from outside the box in the first 45. His shoot on sight mentality caused concern for the French. However, couldn’t beat Lloris. 7

Victor Moses – Showed good movement going forward, something rarely seen at Anfield last season. 8

Ahmed Musa – As shown earlier in the tournament, full of running and endeavor, dangerous in spells. Arguably went missing as the French pressed. 7

Substitutes

Ruben Gabriel on for Onazi – Slotted in well to solidify Nigerian possession. 7 

Sunday 15 June 2014

FOOTBALLER'S LIFE - Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City and Argentina defender



Pablo Zabaleta signed for Manchester City back in August 2008 from Spanish side Espanyol for GBP6.45million and has become a cult hero at the club.

His status across the blue side of Manchester stems from his versatility and work rate.

Winning plaudits from the terraces and critics alike for his tough tackling and committed performances in sky blue, Zabaleta was in the PFA team of the year in 2012-13 and awarded Manchester City's Etihad player of the season 2013.

The latter of which he won after receiving 68% of the vote polled by the supporters club and fans online.

After winning the award, Zabaleta said. “I would like to say thank you to all the City fans who voted for me. This is a great personal honour and sits alongside winning the Premier League title, captaining City and playing for my country.”

This capped off a great season for 'Zaba' which saw him accumulate 42 appearances and 3 goals for City. He also captained the team in Vincent Kompany's absence, in addition to winning the clubs Etihad player of the month awards in January and February.

The 29 year old began his career in Argentina at San Lorenzo in 2002, and was capped at national youth level from 14, captaining the under 20s to World Cup glory in 2005, before being transferred to Spanish outfit Espanyol for GBP2.7million.

Zabaleta helped his new team capture the Copa del Rey in 2006, and achieved a UEFA cup final appearance against fellow Spanish side Sevilla a year later, however Espanyol lost on penalties on the day.

The defender, who has been utilised at right back and in midfield made 84 appearances for Espanyol over three years before transferring to Manchester City.

In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal, representing his country in Beijing. The team beat Nigeria in the final, thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria.

The Argentine made his EPL debut for City in the home defeat to Chelsea on September 13th 2008, and appeared 39 times for City in his maiden season, quickly becoming a vital member of the first team.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Wigan in January 2009, the wait for his second took 22 months, against Fulham in bittersweet circumstances condemning Mark Hughes, the man who brought him to England to defeat with an uncharacteristic yet nonetheless spectacular long range effort.

He quickly reached another landmark at City, making his 100th appearance for the club against Blackpool on new years day 2011.

He has since made 168 appearances for the Citizens.
Despite cementing his name as one of the first on the team sheet at City, this was in stark contrast to the international scene, as Zabaleta was overlooked for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by then manager Diego Maradona.

Zabaleta did however represent his country at the 2011 Copa America and is now a regular starter in the international set up.

He made 39 appearances this season, scoring one goal with a pass completion rate of 85% on the way to winning the Premier league title and League cup.

The talismanic Argentine will be looking to continue his successful season at club level with international honours at this years World Cup in Brazil.

FOOTBALLER'S STRIFE: So adored by the Man City faithful, a facebook group emerged prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begging Diego Maradona to 'stop ignoring him', however those pleas fell on deaf ears, the Argentina boss did not select the defender for the tournament.

ONE TO REMEMBER: He scored the opening goal on the dramatic final day win against QPR in 2011/12 that helped pave the way for the club's, and Zabaleta's first Premier League winners medal.

ONE TO FORGET: Sent off in the Champions League against Barcelona in the 2nd leg of their knock out phrase fixture, City went on to lose the game 2-1 and the tie 4-1 on aggregate. Zabaleta said: “I am disappointed but also very proud of the team because I think we played a fantastic game.”

FOOTBALLER STATS:

POSITION: Defender
CLUB: Manchester City
DOB: 16/01/1985
INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 36
INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 0

Tuesday 10 June 2014

The World Cup's absent stars

The major talking points of World Cup squad selections are often not focused on those players selected but instead centre on those who have not made it to the finals.

A talented list of high-profile missing men, I think you'll agree.


Phillipe Coutinho - Midfielder - Brazil - Age 20

The Brazilian has been a key man during Brendan Rodger's Liverpool revolution, amassing 50 appearances this season while contributing eight goals and seven assists.

However, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari deemed him surplus to requirements.

He certainly has a bright future and time is still on his side to make an impact at international level, despite stern competition in Brazil's midfield.






Isco - Midfielder - Spain - Age 22


Isco made the move from Malaga to Real Madrid last summer and became an instant hit at the Bernabeu, scoring a late goal against Real Betis in the club's first home league fixture of the season.

The promising midfielder made over 30 appearances this term, but as Spain are blessed with a plethora of talent in the middle someone had to miss out.






Javier Pastore - Forward - Argentina - Age 24


The Paris St Germain attacker was one of the first big-money signings fuelled by Qatari investment at the Parc des Princes back in the summer of 2011.

He was included in Diego Maradona's World Cup squad four years ago but has struggled to break into Laurent Blanc's starting XI in Paris, making a just 12 league starts this season.






Samir Nasri - Midfielder - France - Age 26

France coach Didier Deschamps is believed to have overlooked the Premier League winner for not buying into the team ethos.

His girlfriend's angry outburst at Deschamps' decision on social media has not helped his cause. Nevertheless the midfielder's omission has been met with widespread confusion.

Nasri was in great form for Manchester City last season, playing a key role with timely goals during the title run-in.





Ronaldinho - Forward - Brazil - Age 34

Not selected because he's "too old" for a World Cup - try telling that to Andrea Pirlo and Steven Gerrard. Ronaldinho is stuck on 97 caps for Brazil - a tally it seems unlikely he will add to in the future - despite enjoying a successful career revival at Atletico Mineiro.

A player of his quality and experience could have proved an invaluable inclusion in the squad amid the pressure and hype that comes with being host nation.







Roberto Soldado - Striker - Spain - Age 28

The Spaniard's 29th birthday must have witnessed muted celebrations after he missed out on Vicente del Bosque's World Cup squad.

Despite his great record in Spain that resulted in Del Bosque taking him to the Confederations Cup last summer, Soldado has struggled to produce the goods consistently since moving to Tottenham.

In a World Cup season, a move abroad to another country and another culture seemed to be a bit of a gamble, and it has not paid off.






Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Striker - Sweden - Age 32

Ibrahimovic and the Swedes were brushed aside single-handedly by Cristiano Ronaldo in the play-off with Portugal that guaranteed qualification to Brazil.

Ibrahimovic has been a force of nature in his own right this season, netting 26 times in Ligue 1 and 41 in all competitions.

It is a shame a player of his calibre will not be gracing the World Cup with his enigmatic and unpredictable presence.




Carlos Tevez - Striker - Argentina - Age 30

Coach Alejandro Sabella left Tevez out despite his productive 19-goal return in Serie A, which helped Juventus to another league title.

Having represented Argentina at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, it seems like a personal decision to leave the former Manchester City striker out.

The player has overwhelming support in his home country, and his absence has certainly been the major talking point of Sabella's squad selection, especially when you consider the far-from-prolific Franco Di Santo has been preferred ahead of him.

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Neymar stars against Panama


Brazil star Neymar scored a beautifully weighted freekick that paved the way to a dominant 4-0 win by Selecao against Panama in a pre-World Cup friendly.

The 22 year old was at his majestic and skilful best on home soil, placing the ball into the top corner, out of the reach of Panama goalkeeper Oscar McFarlane.

Five minutes before half time, Neymar’s Barcelona teammate Dani Alves put clear daylight between the two sides and effectively ended the contest.

After storming in from the right, Alves hit an instinctive drive from outside the area, sending the ball whistling past two Panama defenders and the wrong footing the opposition goalkeeper before rippling the net.

Almost instantly after resuming for the second half, it was 3-0 to Brazil.

A long pass up field by David Luiz found Brazil’s darling Neymar, who immediately brought the ball under his spell then back heeled for the on running Hulk to hit powerfully with the outside of his left foot, to leave the ball nestled sweetly in the bottom right corner of the Panama goal.

Hulks ninth international goal for the Samba Boys, all have come in friendlies, something the Zenit St. Petersberg striker will look to remedy when the World Cup finals begin.

Brazil and Panama have met only twice before, in 1952 the green and yellow won 5-0, 50 years later, Brazil won by the same scoreline. Wouldn’t bet against the current crop mirroring the history books as things stood.

Neymar looked at his mercurial best through the middle, Oscar on the right, Hulk on the left and Fred furthest forward in a four pillared interchanging attack of fluidity and guil.

Substitute Willian made it 4-0 after good work from Maxwell down the left, the Chelsea midfielder latched onto a Neymar pass, to convert from close range on 73 minutes.

With the tie dead Brazil continued to carve out numerous chances after long spells in possession, despite looking to be winding down after a proficient nights work.

Although against far lesser opposition, Neymar was the stand out performer, playing a pivotal role as 2nd striker.

Brazil will face sterner tests at the World Cup, but on home soil, Neymar will have a lot to do with the good things the Samba Boys produce throughout the tournament.

As he did 12 months removed, which lead to a Confederations Cup triumph.

From the outset head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to play Panama in the World Cup hosts penultimate prepatory game was down to the similar playing style shared with group A opponents Mexico. Panama also played Mexico in the qualifying stages for the finals.

Scolari fielded a close to full strength side that may line up next Thursday for the inaugural curtain raiser, when they take on Croatia in Sao Paolo.

The only absentees that are expected to come back into the side were Paulinho, Thiago Silva and Fernandinho, who were all rested.

New PSG signing and captain for the evening David Luiz was assured in defence, Panama never really looked a threat in the final third however.

Brazil now face Serbia on Friday evening in there final warm up for the World Cup finals.