Rivaldo celebrates his spectacular opener

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his side's battling spirit will keep them in good stead when they continue their bid for a fifth World Cup crown against England.

The boys from Brazil set up the mouthwatering clash with Sven-Goran Eriksson's men after a workmanlike display against Belgium was capped by two individual moments of skill by Rivaldo and Ronaldo.

Brazil were making hard work of what was supposed to be a formality before second-half goals from the duo clinched the 2-0 win.

Scolari said: "It is not only the players who get nervous but the supporters as well, anyone who loves this national team does.

"But this is a side which runs after the ball, fights for the ball, keeps going for every minute of the game. I am very happy with that.

"We knew how Belgium would play, with high balls, so we knew we would be under pressure for several periods."

Brazil's deadly strike duo of Rivaldo and Ronaldo took their combined tally for the tournament to nine.

"It was work done by the whole team and we knew that we had to score the goals," said Scolari.

"We have individuals who are very good in the final third and we have to mention Ronaldo who by himself can take away two defenders and disturb the Belgian backline.

"I am very happy with my team. It is exactly what I expected."

However Scolari would not be drawn to comment directly on the prospect if facing England.

"The first thing I want to do is relax and I don't want to say too much about England," he said.

Midfielder Ricardinho thought believed the watching England players would have seen a "team that had lots of difficulties but defended well".

Meanwhile, Belgium coach Robert Waseige praised the effort of his players against one of the tournament favourites - and admitted with a bit more fortune they may have got more out of the game.

"It was a brilliant effort from my team, but Brazil have a lot of great individuals," he said

"The goal from Rivaldo was the turning point of the game.

"But after that, I think we had two or three good chances and it was still possible for us to get an equaliser.

"I think Rivaldo's shot was deflected and wrong-footed our goalkeeper, then Marc Wilmots had two beautiful shots which were saved.

"Sometimes luck goes with the great players and I think that was the case today."

Waseige will now step down to take over as coach of Belgian club side Standard Liege.

"I enjoyed this game and the whole tournament," he said.

"We lost today but I think my players gave a good image of Belgian football.

"The Belgian FA will have to pick someone to replace me, but whoever it is, I hope they have as much fun as I have had with the national team."