Scolari Says Brazil Respect China

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, June 07, 2002

Scolari Says Brazil Respect China

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has refused to join his compatriots in writing off Saturday's game against China in Group C as a foregone conclusion, the BBC said.

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Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has refused to join his compatriots in writing off Saturday's game against China in Group C as a foregone conclusion, the BBC said.

"Brazil respects China, I've said this three times and I'll repeat it for the fourth, Brazil respects all our opponents, we are not going to belittle anyone," Scolari said on Thursday.

"As far as we are concerned, they are still a strong team and we have to get the three points."

"If you don't think China is a strong team, we still do. Brazil are just going to play to win, the rest is the rest.

"Remember that Saudi Arabia lost their first game 8-0 to Germany but only lost 1-0 to Cameroon," he added.

Brazil's 2-1 win over Turkey and China's poor display in their 2-0 defeat by Costa Rica have led most Brazilians to expect an easy win in Saturday's game.

Some commentators have even suggested that the four-times champions could afford the luxury of experimenting with their team.

But Scolari paid tribute to China coach Bora Milutinovic. "He's a marvellous person in every sense, always joking, always ready to work," Scolari said.

"He's the companion that we would like to have by our side."

Scolari confirmed that Brazil will make one change to their team with Anderson Polga replacing Edmilson in defence.

"I am making the change in line with my observations about the opposition," said Scolari. "Everyone understands that we are not a team of 11 but a group of 23."

Edmilson, who plays for French club Olympique Lyon, had a shaky game on Monday when Brazil came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in their Group C game.

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