Fernandinho hopes to have played himself into World Cup place

Johannesburg: Just days after walking up the steps at Wembley to collect a League Cup winners` medal, Fernandinho hopes to have played himself into a World Cup place with a commanding performance for Brazil on Wednesday.

A last gasp opportunity to convince Luiz Felipe Scolari of his worth was capped by a striking goal, blasted home from some 25 metres out as Brazil beat South Africa 5-0 in Johannesburg in a World Cup warm-up international. Fernandinho - along with right back Rafinha -- will still have an agonising wait until May 7 before finding out whether he did enough to make the squad for the 2014 finals after Scolari refused to commit himself after the easy win. "I enjoyed their performances, I found them interesting but my selection for the World Cup is not yet 100 percent fixed," said the coach. It was Fernandinho`s first appearance in the side for two years, and first under Scolari after a surprise call-up on the back of performances at Manchester City. "I was very happy with the performance. I tried to do everything that Scolari asked. It`s been a wonderful night," the 28-year-old said after the match. "Now it`s back to England and looking to continue to playing at the same level for the May 7 announcement when I hope my name will be on the final list." Fernandinho, who helped his club win the League Cup in a come-from-behind 3-1 triumph over Sunderland on Sunday, turned in a strong midfield performance, winning possession and distributing the ball with efficiency as the World Cup hosts dispensed easily with their opponents. Scolari also gave a 90 minute run out to Rafinha on the right side of defence in a debut for the 28-year-old full back. "Rafinha played simply, with balance. He got stuck in and knew how to impose himself. Fernandinho played well too, he made a great goal," Scolari added.