Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira admitted Ghana had pushed his side all the way in their second round clash.

The holders booked their place in the quarter finals with a 3-0 win in Dortmund on Tuesday.

The scoreline was harsh on Ghana as the African side dominated proceedings for long periods and Parreira paid tribute to the Black Stars.

"We won the game, but the result doesn't show it was not an easy game at all," said Parreira.

"The first half they did well, they should have scored. They had chances."

Brazil will face either Spain or France in the last eight and Parreira concedes things are going to get tougher in the later stages.

"The big guys are coming to the quarter finals," added Parreira.

"It is getting closer and closer. It's getting tougher and tougher."