Fred declares World Cup nightmare over

Rio de Janeiro: Former Brazil striker Fred has declared his World Cup nightmare over after scoring twice in Fluminense's 3-0 victory over Palmeiras.

"It's now in the past," Xinhua quoted Fred as saying after Saturday's match at the Maracana stadium.

The 30-year-old was the subject of widespread scorn in Brazil after scoring just once during the Selecao's disappointing World Cup campaign.

He announced his international retirement after the hosts' humiliating 1-7 semifinal loss to Germany July 8.

"The responsibility (on me) during the World Cup was huge and unfortunately things didn't turn out."

The former Lyon player has now scored seven goals from 12 matches in Brazil's top flight this season.

He denied being affected by the constant jeering at Brazilian venues since the World Cup.

"That has motivated me," he said. "It's great to play in a stadium that is full. When I score it makes them think, 'He has scored again'."

"It's a part of football. I knew that it was going to be a long process. It was a heavy load to bear but I'm getting over it."

Fred netted twice in the first 35 minutes against Palmeiras before Argentine playmaker Dario Conca added a third for Fluminense just after the hour.

The victory lifted the Rio de Janeiro club to fourth in Brazil's Serie A standings with 35 points from 21 matches.