TRUST LIKE WATCHING BRAZIL
Samba legend Carlos warns the pressure may get to the favourites... after 20 years of hurt Brazilian fans don’t have same faith in the team
BRAZIL legends Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Silva have warned that their national team may struggle with the weight of expectation on their shoulders in Qatar.
They go into the competition as one of the hot favourites as they look to win the tournament for the first time since 2002.
On that occasion, Carlos and Silva were part of the squad as a Ronaldo-inspired side beat Germany 2-0 in the final in Japan.
But the icons suggested the views of the Brazilian Press and fans may hinder their hopes of success.
Carlos (with F1 driver Max Verstappen, above) said. “A lot of the time putting on the Brazil shirt you feel the weight of expectations.
“The media don’t often believe in the team. But we’re used to getting criticism, no matter how hard we work. The world loves Brazilian football but the people in the country don’t seem to trust in the team.”
And ex-Arsenal midfielder Silva added: “There can be a negativity around the team where people don’t appreciate what they have. We know the problems we’ve got, but we also know the good things we have – why can’t we focus on the good things?
“And let’s support what we have. But we know it won’t be easy.”
With an embarrassment of attacking riches in Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Antony, Richarlison and Raphinha (above), it’s easy to see why Brazil are many people’s tip to claim glory in Qatar.
And Silva admits they are in a much better position than at the last World Cup, when they crashed out to Belgium at the quarter-final stage in Russia.
“When I look to four years ago, I think the manager has more options in every position,” said Silva.
“Tite will be in control of the situation, and up front in particular we have lots of talent.
“Many people see Brazil as the favourites. The manager is doing a great job because it’s not an easy task to choose the starting XI – I would not like to be in his position.
“The good thing is the guys on the bench support those who are starting, and that is important.”
ROBERTO CARLOS and Gilberto Silva were speaking at the premier of ‘Brazil 2002: The Real Story’ a documentary produced by Entourage Sport & Entertainment and Collective Media, available on Sky Documentaries now