Sao Paulo, June 7 (IANS): Fluminense striker Fred scored his first international goal in almost a year as Brazil wrapped up their World Cup preparations with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Serbia.
Fred chested down Thiago Silva's delicate chip and lost his balance before drilling a right-footed shot into the net while grounded Friday, reports Xinhua.
The result was the Selecao's 15th victory from their past 16 matches dating to June last year.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad will now return to their World Cup training base in Teresopolis, 100km north of Rio, ahead of their Group A opener at Sao Paulo's Itaquerao stadium June 12.
After the match Scolari played down concerns over his team's performance, particularly a lethargic first half which drew prolonged jeers from fans.
Fred was singled out for criticism, with a chorus calling for him to be replaced in Scolari's squad by local hero Luis Fabiano.
"The jeers are normal," Scolari said after the match.
"They have happened before at other stadiums when we haven't played the way we'd like. Our players are fully prepared for it and know that there will always be somebody who isn't happy.
"The fans have given us an idea of what to expect against Croatia."
Scolari hailed Fred's first goal for the Selecao since their 3-0 Confederations Cup final victory over Spain last June.
"The goal was important for Fred. We are trying to get out of this idea that he has to score every match," Scolari said.
"If another player scores, that will be great too. Hopefully that will make him more confident."