NO STOPPING BRAZIL
Tite’s squad on the brink of qualifiying for 2018 World Cup
THERE’S no holding Brazil back at the moment... apart from on the training ground, it turns out.
The Selecao are romping towards qualification for next year’s World Cup, sitting pretty as they are at the top of the South American standings after hammering Uruguay 4-1 away from home on Thursday.
Head coach Tite has won eight games out of eight and his team can start making their preparations for a trip to Russia in 2018 with the rest of the continent not providing much of an obstacle to their progress.
It’s just as well, therefore, that the boss keeps the reins on his players’ expectations. Or just keeps the reins on his players.
The Brazil squad were put through resistance training on Saturday as they gear up for their next test, the visit of Paraguay tomorrow.
Stars including Neymar were held back by giant elastic strapping in one of the drills during the session at the Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo.
The physical intensity of the exercise didn’t seem to dampen spirits, however, with Tite’s squad smiling and laughing their way through the open practice.
The sense of unity the coach has instilled during his reign was underlined by his willingness to pose for pictures with supporters in the stands and his players’ good nature throughout the session.
It’s little wonder Brazil appear so relaxed at present.
Neymar and Co are seven points clear at the top of the qualifying table with five games left to play after the victory over Uruguay.
Paulino scored a hat-trick and Neymar was also on the scoresheet during the Montevideo cakewalk, with Edinson Cavani netting for the hosts. Daily Mail