Brazil coach highlights Belgium’s creative power
Brazil’s head coach Tite said Thursday (Jul. 5) he predicts “a great game” against Belgium, a team “with a really strong creative power,” in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
Brazil, who knocked Mexico out of the competition in the round of 16, are to face the Belgian squad Friday (6) at Kazan Arena for a place in the semifinals.
“I’m striving—as an idea, and also as a challenge both for the athletes and myself—for perseverance and growth, the feeling of having given your best. In the last two games, all the athletes in the field played really well; that makes the team stronger. But you can’t tell whether it’s enough to win because there’s skill on the other side as well,” Tite remarked during a press conference.
“Belgium’s creative power is really strong. It’s going to be a great game. These are two teams that value a beautiful game, each with their own characteristics,” he added.
Tite also confirmed the return of Marcelo, after recovering from a back spasm sustained in the game against Serbia in the first stage. Fernandinho is also reported to take the place of Casemiro, who has been suspended.
“I talked to Marcelo and Filipe Luís. Marcelo left due to a clinical problem and did not come back in the following game because of a physical problem. Filipe Luís played well in both games, but it’s been decided that Marcelo is the one returning.” The Brazilian coach praised the team’s “strong mindset,” and urged players to step into the field “with a cool head […], with neither euphoria nor fear of losing.”
When asked about Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, both of whom fighting for a spot in the team’s attack, Tite argued that all players “are equally important,” adding that no changes will be made on the lineup team.
The seleção are already in Kazan. The winners of the clash against Belgium will step up to the semifinals. The players were welcomed by hundreds of fans.
