Parreira takes blame for defeat

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira accepted the blame for the holders' 1-0 defeat to France after they were knocked out of the quarter-finals.

Parreira said: "I would like to thank the players. I didn't do my job as my job was to get to the final.

"In Brazil when the national team loses the coach is to blame so I believe we will follow this script once again.

"We never prepared for this moment. This is a very difficult moment for all of us," he added.

Parreira generously praised France's performance against the World Cup holders as South America's last side in the tournament crashed out of Germany 2006.

"We were beaten by a very strong team who played an impeccable match," said Parreira.

"There should have been at least one South American team in the semi-finals, its a shame for world football.

"We made some silly mistakes and that cost us.

"We had not expected to go out so early. Henry and Zidane were very dangerous.

"I am not worried about my contract - it's something to sort out in Brazil when we get back after the World Cup."

Ronaldinho, who never really came to life during the tournament, added: "It's always sad when a team that's used to winning suffers a letdown like this.

"Now is the time to settle down and start thinking about what's next, and Brazil's future."