• World Cup

Alves: Shearer criticism of Fred moronic

Dani Alves has hit out at former England striker Alan Shearer for "moronic" comments he made about the full-back's Brazil team-mate Fred.

Speaking to ESPN FC on Friday, Shearer criticised Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari for persisting with Fred in attack against Mexico despite a below-par display in the opening match against Croatia.

But Alves felt Shearer, a three-time Premier League Golden Boot-winner, was out of line.

"It's one of the most moronic comments I have heard so far," Alves said at a news conference at Brazil's HQ in Teresopolis. "To hear an ex-player being so disrespectful to a fellow footballer is anti-ethical to say the least.

Fred earned Brazil a controversial penalty in their opening match against Croatia © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Features: Costa Rica earn the bragging rights
  
• News: Hart and Baines back under-fire Hodgson
  
• Match report: Klose equals record to deny Ghana
  
• News: Mourinho: Suarez is amazing... when not diving
  
• News: Rooney apologises to fans for early England exit
  
• News: Welcome to the club, Ronaldo tells Klose
  
• News: Yaya and Kolo Toure to stay at World Cup
  

"He [Shearer] lacked respect towards Fred and his comments diminished the game of football. I pity this kind of person."

When prompted to comment on Shearer's criticism of Fred's performances, Alves had already appeared unhappy with the gathered media. The Barcelona defender complained about what he perceived as pessimism towards Brazil's squad and questioned the knowledge of those behind the negative comments, including Shearer.

"A former player should have known better before criticising colleagues," Alves said. "We all know how hard it is to make it in professional football, the hardship we all endure to become pros. It surprised me that somebody who supposedly knows the game says something like that."

A 3-1 victory against Croatia masked what was a poor performance and Brazil were then held to a goalless draw by Mexico in their second game. A draw against Cameroon on Monday will ensure they progress to the second round, but a victory may not be enough to guarantee top spot in Group A. Asked about Brazil's motivation for the game against the already eliminated West Africans, Alves once again left a sting in the tail of his answer.

"Cameroon have no responsibility and they will be relishing the chance to play Brazil and trying to upset us," Alves said. "The pressure is on our side. We also know they can be hard opponents.

"It's quite funny when you hear commentators saying that one or other result was a surprise. The people who actually make a living of football know how hard the game has become and how prepared every team has a chance to be. Costa Rica were a surprise for the media only."

This article originally appeared on ESPN FC

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd