Fred quits Brazil after World Cup flop

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil striker Fred, cast as the scapegoat by many fans for the World Cup hosts’ semi-final implosion to Germany, on Sunday announced his retirement from international football.

“For me, the Selecao is finished,” the 30-year-old Fluminense forward told the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper.

Fred ended the competition with a solitary goal, and was jeered by Brazilian supporters after being substituted in Tuesday’s 7-1 semi-final rout in Belo Horizonte.

Fred paid the price for his ineffectiveness in front of goal when being replaced by Jo in Saturday’s third place play-off. The switch failed to have the desired effect, with Brazil losing 3-0 to the Netherlands.