Match-fixing claims are disrespectful toward Cameroon - Scolari

The Selecao boss does not believe the Indomitable Lions will throw the game, while hitting out at those who have claimed Brazil get to pick their opponents for the next round.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has laughed off rumours that his side's Group A game against Cameroon at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Monday could be targeted by match-fixers.


Fifa's head of security Ralf Mutschke stated ahead of the World Cup that certain teams have been identified as being vulnerable to fixers, before adding that the last round of group games carries a greater risk as some teams have nothing left to play for.


Cameroon's World Cup comes to an end on Monday after they lost their opening two games against Mexico and Croatia, yet Scolari has stressed that it would be an insult to the African country to suggest they could throw the game.


"Match-fixing claims? It seems that Fifa has already made a statement on this," Scolari said at a press conference when questioned about the matter.


"Cameroon supposedly have nothing to lose, but they have their honour to protect. They have the opportunity to fight and do their country proud. "These claims are a lack of respect toward Cameroon. There are a lot of games with teams that are already out, like Spain and England..."

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal suggested earlier on Sunday that Brazil can pick out their own opponent for the round of 16 as the matches in Group A kick-off once Group B is already finished, but Scolari has voiced his dismay with any comments suggesting Fifa is biased toward the hosts.


"People are wrong when they think we are able to choose our next opponent. Either they’re stupid or ill-intended.


"We have to play to qualify. Fifa decided our schedule. This has got nothing to do with us. We have to qualify first.


"People put us in a difficult position when they say we can choose our opponent. It’s disrespectful towards Cameroon."


Scolari then went on to stress that he does not plan to make any changes to his starting XI as he intends to play the same players who started their opening game against Croatia, with the recovered Hulk set to return at the expense of Ramires.

"I am not going to change my team. I trust in the squad that I played in the first game. This is how I work. If I have to make changes during the game, I will do that.


"We are a group and are in this together. I will continue with the line-up that I started with in the first game.


"I am satisfied with our performances so far. We are not at the same level yet as during the Confederations Cup last year, but this is a World Cup, it’s different."


Brazil have collected four points from their opening two games and need a win or a draw to book their ticket for the round of 16.