POSER OVER COACH’S FUTURE

BRAZIL’S World Cup exit has left coach Tite facing calls for him to quit.

But the numbers do not add up. Of the 26 matches played under Tite, the five-time world champs have won 20, drawn four and lost just two.

Before Friday’s meeting with Belgium they had never conceded more than one goal in a game and had gone 15 matches without defeat.

But the second of those defeats, and two goals, arrived in a dramatic quarter-final in Kazan.

The 2-1 defeat by the Red Devils saw Brazil’s hopes of winning the tournament for a sixth time slip through their fingers.

In the cold light of day, there is no hiding from the fact that the samba boys were eliminated at the quarter-final stage for the third time in four World Cup tournaments.

“It’s something that’s hard to say now, in the heat of the moment, but the coaching team deserve a lot of credit,” said Renato Augusto, whose goal gave his team hope against the Belgians.

“I thought that we deserved at least a draw. We gave it everything. Tite tried every option but unfortunately the second goal never came.”

It has been more than 40 years since a Brazil manager remained in charge for two consecutive World Cups, when Mario Zagallo led the team at West Germany 1974 following their triumph at Mexico 1970.

According to centre-half and captain Miranda, it is important that the team keep faith in their leader.

“Tite has done a great job and has to remain in charge – he’s an exemplary professional,” he said.

“We came up against a great opponent and they should be congratulated. They fought until the end and got the result.”

Tite said: “Despite all the pain that I’m feeling, I’m still capable of evaluating the game. Anyone who enjoys good football will have liked what they saw.

“It’s about more than the result. Whenever a coach is given more time, in theory his work will improve.”