Brazil ‘can cope with pressure’

Brazil coach Tite says his team can handle being made World Cup favourites after defeating Serbia 2-0 on Wednesday to set up a last 16 clash against Mexico.

After holders Germany earlier suffered a shock exit in the group stages, the Brazilians are now the bookmakers’ favourites to claim a record sixth World Cup.

Tite says his South American superstars can cope with the extra pressure.

“We don’t live off expectations, we live off reality,” the Brazil boss said.

“We can take the pressure, we are a balanced team and for us, this is about getting stronger and growing.”

Brazil’s victory on Wednesday came after a sparkling performance from striker Neymar.

Brazil took the lead when Paulinho scored with a superb dinked finish on 36 minutes before Neymar swung in a cross for Thiago Silva to head the Selecao’s second with 22 minutes left in Moscow.

Having opened his Russia 2018 account with the second of Brazil’s two late goals in Friday’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica, Neymar was again impressive.

As Group E winners, Brazil will now face Mexico in Samara on Monday, with group runners-up Switzerland taking on Sweden in St Petersburg on Tuesday.

In the pre-match build-up Brazil coach Tite said Neymar alone can not “shoulder the responsibility” for his team’s World Cup hopes.

However, the 26-year-old seemed content to carry Brazil’s attack, motoring through Serbia’s midfield and crashing an early shot just wide of the post. –