Approved by Felipão, Fernandinho will be a starter.
Midfielder Fernandinho came on in the second half, replacing Paulinho, during Brazil's 4-1 victory over Cameroon; "Fernando's entry was good, providential. Besides defensive aspects, he created attacking opportunities," said coach Felipão in a press conference this Monday at the Mané Garrincha National Stadium.
By Pedro Fonseca
BRASILIA (Reuters) Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari liked the performance of midfielder Fernandinho, who came on in the second half replacing Paulinho during Brazil's 4-1 victory over Cameroon, and could earn a place in the team for the match against Chile in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
Fernandinho improved Brazil's midfield, which seemed lost in the first half, and even scored the Brazilian team's fourth goal against Cameroon.
The player performed his defensive role as a second defensive midfielder very well and also made good passes from midfield forward, including the one that led to Fred's goal after a cross from David Luiz.
"Fernando's entry was good, providential. Besides creating defensive opportunities, it also created chances in attack," said Felipão in a press conference this Monday at the Mané Garrincha National Stadium in Brasília.
The coach stated that he will evaluate Brazil's performance against Cameroon before deciding whether Fernandinho will take Paulinho's place in the starting lineup. "I don't know yet. I'll analyze the games normally tomorrow, when we're more free of that adrenaline," he declared.
Fernandinho earned his spot on the Brazilian national team for the World Cup after playing only one friendly match before the tournament, against South Africa in March, when he also scored a goal.
Given that Paulinho has been performing well below par in the World Cup compared to his performance in the Confederations Cup last year, the Manchester City player's introduction changed the tone of Brazil's game in the second half against Cameroon.
"I'm extremely happy to have helped Brazil in this game, also because of the way I came on and the goal," said the 29-year-old player, who speaks softly. "I felt I came on well and did what I wanted to do, I prepared for this, I waited for my opportunity."
According to him, competing for a starting position with Paulinho is an advantage for the Brazilian national team and something he views without high expectations. "Having players competing for positions is good so that the starter doesn't become complacent; this helps raise the level of the group and the level of the team," he stated.
With or without Fernandinho, Felipão reiterated that Brazil is improving throughout the competition, following the 3-1 victory over Croatia in their opening match and the goalless draw with Mexico in the second round of the World Cup.
"Nature doesn't make leaps. We're progressing slowly...we've already improved again since the game against Mexico. We need to improve a little more if we want to get past Chile, which is very good," he said.