Brazil need to improve defensively if they are to win gold, says Oscar

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Brazil midfielder Oscar was delighted his country sealed their place in the Olympic football quarter finals but admitted they need to improve if they are going to win the competition.

Goals from Pato, Neymar and Oscar sealed a 3-1 victory for Brazil over Belarus but they were given an early shock as the Eastern European side struck first through Brazilian born Bressan.

And after watching Bressan ghost into the penalty area unmarked in the eighth minute, Oscar says it is a problem his side must correct.

"We need to improve in the air because we have conceded goals that way," he told reporters.

"If we improve our defending we will score more goals and we will be better."

After that early shock Brazil went on to control large parts of the game, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. They were inspired by Neymar, who scored a sensational free kick and created the other two as Brazil cruised into the quarter finals.

Oscar, too, had an excellent game, looking dangerous every time he got on the ball and dictating the way his side played against a resolute Belarus defence.

"I'm very happy with my performance," he added.

"The most important thing about today is that we qualified for the next phase of the competition."

The midfielder was able to get himself on the scoresheet in the closing minutes after more fantastic play from Neymar. The forward dribbled his way through the Belarussian challenges before playing a sensational back heel into Oscar's path, and he made no mistake as he fired into the top corner.

"It was a really good pass [from Neymar]," he continued.

"I was pleased I scored that goal and helped my team go through."

Brazil are the first side into the quarter finals of the competition and face New Zealand in their final group game, and Oscar was quick to add that they were not phased about any of their future opponents.

"We don’t want to choose anyone to play against in the quarter finals," he said.

"We just want to play well and to win so we can be in the semi-finals."

It was another composed performance from the youngster who we will be seeing a lot more of next season in a Chelsea shirt, and he admitted he was already looking forward to coming back to Old Trafford next season.

"We really liked playing here in this stadium," he said. "I particularly liked it because I scored.

"I hope that I will come back to play here and I will score again [next season]."

And Oscar's team mate Neymar was also delighted with a second successive victory for his side, and pleased with his own performance against Belarus.

"It was a perfect game," he told reporters. "Not only for me but for the whole team.

"I scored one goal and gave two assists so it was perfect."

And like Oscar he refused to be drawn on whether they can win the tournament, but admitted they will be doing everything they can to win gold.

"I don’t know [if we can win]," he added. "It's such a difficult tournament, there are so many good teams that I couldn’t say we will win it but we’re going to try our best."

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