Neymar: Robinho is my idol

The Barcelona star is overjoyed to see his former Santos team-mate return to the Selecao and has been enjoying his time in Miami for the Gillette International Soccer Series

Neymar has expressed his delight at seeing his 'idol' Robinho back in the Brazil squad for the Gillette International Soccer Series.

The AC Milan forward has returned to the Selecao for the first time since 2011 and Neymar is thrilled to be playing back longside his former Santos team-mate.

Ronaldo wary of potential France play-off

The captain admits his side must accept defeat in the race for automatic World Cup qualification, while boss Paulo Bento refused to blame Rui Patricio

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is wary of potentially facing France in a World Cup qualifying play-off after Portugal's 1-1 draw with Israel on Friday all-but-ended their chances of automatic qualification.

'Neymar was touched by God at birth' – Alves

The Brazil right-back says his compatriot was born to be a star and has no doubt he will go from strength to strength for club and country.

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has claimed that club and international team-mate Neymar has been blessed with his talent by God.

The 21-year-old offered a glimpse of his potential as he starred for Brazil in their successful Confederations Cup campaign during the summer but is yet to scale similar heights with the Blaugrana.

However, Alves has backed the youngster to shine for the Catalans in the near future due to a belief that his compatriot has God-given ability.

"I think Neymar is one of the few players who was touched by God when he was born and he said 'you will be thee player'," he told Eurosport.

"He is a great player in a great team and the entire football world is watching him and soon they will see more of what he can do."

Brazil taught Australia a lesson, says Osieck

The Socceroos equalled their worst defeat to the Selecao, losing 6-0, and the German coach concedes his side have a long way to go before reaching Luiz Felipe Scolari's men's level

Australia coach Holger Osieck said his team received a harsh but valuable lesson from Brazil.

The Socceroos were pummelled by Luiz Felipe Scolari's men 6-0 in a friendly at the Estadion Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia on Saturday.

"We have come to Brazil to get an idea how football on this level is, and now we know and now it's up to us to analyse and to work on all the elements we have to improve on," Osieck said following the huge defeat.

Brazil 6-0 Australia: Selecao hit Aussies for six

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men put the Socceroos to the sword with a commanding display on Saturday night

Brazil continued their impressive recent form with a 6-0 thrashing of Australia.

Two goals from Jo and a strike from Neymar put the Selecao 3-0 in front at half-time and second-half efforts from Ramires, Alexandre Pato and Luiz Gustavo added gloss to a resounding victory.

After dominating the opening exchanges, it took Brazil just eight minutes to open the scoring.

100,000 expected to protest ahead of Brazil semi-final

The country could see its largest protest so far for the Selecao's upcoming Confederations Cup clash, in which Fifa president Sepp Blatter is to attend

Around 100,000 people are set to take to the streets of Belo Horizonte to protest on Wednesday ahead of Brazil's Confederations Cup semi-final with Uruguay.

It is just the latest in a number of demonstrations which have filled the country's cities in recent days and, with it being a holiday in the capital of Minas Gerais, authorities are expecting the largest turnout so far.

The Public Ministry of the city had suggested the semi-final be postponed out of fears for people's safety, but the police have since guaranteed the public's welfare following the decision to draft in reinforcements from Brazil's national guard.

The march, which is being organised by the city's residents and co-ordinated via social networking platforms, is fuelled by the population's anger that the government is ignoring its country's public service issues while focusing its attentions on hosting of sporting events such as the World Cup next summer - the cost of which is believed to be a source of much of the hostility.

Despite Wednesday's demonstration being planned as a a peaceful protest, concerns have been raised after its organisers said on social networking sites they expect people to wear items including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, goggles and a handkerchief to cover their face.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is expected to be in attendance for the match, though it is not known whether or not the increased security has been implemented due to his presence.

Brazil striker Fred, who is expected to start against Uruguay, revealed how he supports the protest and hopes the demonstration can pass without incident.

"I'm in favour of the protests because the people deserve better," he said. "It has to be done without violence and vandalism though.

"I'm hoping it will be peaceful tomorrow, without confrontations with the police."