Fred: Scolari restored Brazil's stature

Brazil striker Fred has heaped praise on head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for restoring respect in the nation on the international stage ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland.

The ex-Chelsea and Portugal coach, in his second stint as Selecao boss, guided his squad to Confederations Cup glory in June, with a comprehensive showing in the final triumph over Spain.

Fred, who has scored five goals in his last three matches, was a key part of that success and he insists that next summer's World Cup host is sufficiently motivated to succeed under Felipao.

"This moment is wonderful," Fred told reporters. "Felipao has imposed his own style on the team, and the group has understood it well.

"We won [the Confederations Cup] and we are more respected. We've looked for that respect, so much so that now rivals want to beat Brazil more than before. We are more motivated too.

"We are going in the right way. We still have to grow up a lot in friendly games to make it into the World Cup ready."

Brazil has lost just once in its last 10 meetings against Switzerland and will be looking to keep spirits high in the first match following the win over Spain in the Confederations Cup final at the Maracana.