Capello says England beaten by the best
Fabio Capello: We lost our shape after the goal
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By Tom Powell. |  |
Saturday, 14, Nov 2009 10:54
By James Christie.
England manager Fabio Capello has labelled Brazil "the best team in the world" after watching his under-strength side lose 1-0 to the World Cup favourites.
Nilmar's second-half strike gave Brazil, who missed a penalty, a fully-deserved win in the Doha friendly.
Since succeeding Steve McLaren in the England hotseat, Capello's side have played countries such as Germany, Holland and European champions Spain but none have impressed him so much as the Brazil side managed by the South American side's former captain Dunga.
He said: "Tonight I think we played the best team in the world, and Dunga's first-choice XI as well. They are the best team we have played under me."
But the Italian emphasised that injuries meant only two of his first-choice team, Gareth Barry and Wayne Rooney, made the starting line-up in Doha tonight.
Revealing that he was "happy" with England's first-half performance, he said: "This Brazil team is very good, but our first choice XI will be better than tonight."
Captain-for-the-evening Rooney was also full of praise for England's opponents.
The 24-year-old said: "Brazil move the ball so well, they make you chase every yard, and that's hard over 90 minutes, but we're better than we showed tonight."
The Manchester United man will have been pleased that club colleague Ben Foster escaped a red card after committing a professional foul on Brazil striker Fabiano.
The England goalkeeper admitted that he deserved more than a yellow card for the offence.