"I have a feeling of happiness and of a job well done," he said. "To be alive and not to die was the only thought we had.

Scolari said Brazil forward Ronaldinho should not have been sent off, though his dismissal in the 57th minute did not affect the outcome of the match.

"We practise with 10 men sometimes," Scolari said. "People have asked me why I do this but now you see why.

"Never have I seen a group of players defending the national colours with such a fighting spirit."