Fred came to the rescue of Brazil with a last-minute equalizer, as the 2014 World Cup hosts earned themselves an unconvincing 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian striker netted his fourth international goal in as many matches in the 90th minute, after Viktor Fayzulin has given the Russians the lead with a little under 20 minutes remaining in the game at Chelsea's home ground.
This was the Selecao's second straight draw, following their 2-2 result against Italy a few days back in Geneva, and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will have plenty to ponder following another lacklustre performance.
"I think that from the game against Italy to this game we kept the same level, but we were playing against a team that were well organised," Scolari said.
"Of the 54 countries trying to qualify for the World Cup, Russia are the only one to have not conceded.
"They kept the ball well and we maybe let that goal in because the team marked high up the pitch and closed the gaps so much more. In football it's not necessarily the best team that always wins.
"What I really liked is that towards the end our team had a good reaction and didn't get desperate. They kept their heads and played the ball because they knew they would have chances. I believe we are on the right path.
"Everyone knows there are no short cuts for success and you need to win in stages. In each stage we try to improve and that is the only way to success -- that is what we are doing now."
Russia started the brighter side, and Fabio Capello's men thought they had won themselves a penalty when a strike from Vasily Berezutskiy struck the arm of Fernando Lucas inside the box; however referee Howard Webb waved play on.
Alexander Kerzhakov and Fayzulin came close on a couple of occasions, before the goal finally came in the 73rd minute.
A penalty box melee finally ended up with the ball in the back of the net as Faizulin reacted quickest to a goal-line clearance from Hernanes.
Brazil looked to get back into the game, with the excellent Marcelo seeing his shot whistle past the post, while Lucas struck his shot straight at Vladimir Gabulov.
Marcelo was the creator of Brazil's goal, playing in a perfect cross for Fred to tap-in from close range, as both teams settled for a share of the spoils.
"I am happy with the way we played, we showed a lot of team spirit," Capello told reporters.
"My only disappointment is that after a supporter came on the pitch my players lost their concentration and against Brazil you cannot lose your concentration.
"When I was a coach in Portugal we were playing against Estonia and a very beautiful girl came on the pitch topless, everyone was looking at her -- even me. At the time the game was 0-0, and we ended up winning it 2-0.
"I don't know if the guy today distracted the Russian team, but who knows, it can happen."
