Cesar laments Brazil mistakes

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has bemoaned his team’s errors as they gave up a lead to draw 2-2 with Italy on Thursday.

Italy fought back from two goals down at half-time in the friendly match in Geneva, Switzerland, to claim a draw with Mario Balotelli scoring the equaliser.

After leading through first-half goals from Fred and Oscar, Cesar believes Brazil should have been able to grind out victory.

“The game was in our hands but we stalled,” Cesar said after the match.

“They scored two goals from our errors more than by their merit.

“Of course they had merit but they scored from things we got wrong.”

Daniele De Rossi started Italy’s comeback in the 54th minute with a half-volley from a corner before Balotelli struck a sumptuous goal from outside the penalty area to take the Italians level.

Balotelli received a misplaced pass in the 57th minute, turned and drove towards Brazil’s goal and as the South American defenders backed off, the 22-year-old AC Milan striker curled the ball over Cesar and into the top corner of the net.

The goal prompted Brazilian starlet Neymar to reveal he is a ‘big fan’ of Balotelli.

“He’s a player that I’m a big fan of,” Neymar said.

“A great player and great person.”