Brazil feel the heat
BRAZIL’S inability to keep their emotions in check contributed to a spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, and the worry is once again the pressure might prove too much for the “Selecao”.
While Australia faced a pressure- cooker environment overnight during their mustwin game against Peru, the pressure facing Brazil’s national team belongs on an entirely different level.
The enduring image of the 2- 0 win over Costa Rica that kickstarted their campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar’s tears at fulltime, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory.
The world’s most expensive player is carrying the nation on his shoulders, and only recently returned from three months out after a foot operation.
Seeing Neymar cry brought back memories of Brazil’s unravelling as hosts four years ago.
Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shootout win over Chile.
At the time, some sections of the media labelled the team crybabies, and 1970 World Cup- winning captain Carlos Alberto accused them of not being mentally tough enough. Meanwhile, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari brought in a sports psychologist to help the squad.
That campaign ended with their 7- 1 capitulation against Germany in the semi- finals, and in Russia it is vital current coach Tite keeps a lid on emotions as Brazil seek to atone.
Their performance in qualifying ensured they came to Russia among the favourites, but they have not yet completely convinced and are not certain of reaching the knockout phase going into tomorrow’s game against Serbia.
“Everything we did in qualifying and in our friendlies created a lot of expectation. That weighed on us, and there was an obligation to win our opening game,” conceded the fullback Fagner.
Not everyone back home has been sympathetic towards Neymar for his tears and his perceived play- acting in the Costa Rica game.
And Neymar even attracted criticism from Silva after swearing at him for giving the ball back to the opposition when the game was goalless.
“He is my little brother, and I try to look after him, give him advice ( but) I was very upset with him,” Silva later said.