Former Olympique Lyonnais forward Fred struck an added-time equaliser in London as Russia were denied a first-ever win against Brazil.

Fabio Capello's men looked to have done enough courtesy of Viktor Fayzulin's effort 17 minutes from the end following a desperate goalmouth scramble. Yet Hulk, just on as a substitute when the opening goal went in, took the initiative. Marcelo could not make the most of one opening carved by the FC Zenit St Petersburg man but the pair then combined to devastating effect, Marcelo playing a one-two before firing in a low cross converted by Fred.

Russia had endured a frustrating weekend in Northern Ireland as their FIFA World Cup qualifier was twice postponed due to the weather, yet there was not a hint of their sedentary build-up in a blistering opening. Sergei Ignashevich and Aleksandr Kerzhakov both went close amid a sustained spell of pressure but slowly Brazil gained a foothold. Soon Ignashevich was in more familiar defensive mode as he and Aleksandr Anyukov made crucial blocks.

The second period was end to end, even if the free-flowing approach play was never really matched by the finishing: too constrained, too rushed. Until the 73rd minute, at least, when Russia toyed with the Brazil back line, drawing scrambling defence and goal-line blocks before Fayzulin rifled in through the bodies.

Capello could afford a wry smile; Luiz Felipe Scolari, back on familiar turf at former club Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge, did not – even after Fred's late leveller.