Alves plays down achievement

Brazil striker modest about seven goals

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 10th October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Alves plays down achievement

Alves: Modest

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Afonso Alves doubts whether his stunning performance for Heerenveen at the weekend will be enough to earn a place in the Brazil starting line-up.

Alves scored seven goals as Heerenveen beat Heracles Almelo 9-0 in the Eredivisie on Sunday, but he believes his team-mates deserve a lot of the credit.

He has been included in the Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador, but accepts that competition for places up front is fierce.

Alves said: "Our team played very well. I scored three goals in the first half, and in the second half I scored four times in eight minutes. It was fantastic.

"Brazil has so many players that you just have to produce more and more to be considered.

"I have been scoring goals in Europe for a long time, so I am confident in myself and prepared to play."

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Alves' performances for Heerenveen have seen him linked with a number of clubs across Europe, with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reportedly considering a move for him in the January transfer window.

Brazil coach Dunga believes Alves has a bright future ahead of him, but has warned the striker not to become over-confident.

"He was picked on the basis of what he has done over the years and on our analysis of him," said Dunga.

"He was never a doubt in our minds, but the fact that he scored seven goals doesn't mean he is in heaven now.

"He has to carry on with his work. I want him to score seven goals for us."