Brazil defender Dani Alves has claimed that the victories in the warmup matches count for nothing, as they need to perform well in the actual tournament. Brazil have been doing well in recent friendly matches, while the results from the pre-tournament matches have also been excellent as well. Despite this, there is a concern that Brazil may lose it when the tournament starts. Alves has responded to those fears by stating that the team is aware that the results from these warmup matches count for nothing.
Brazil have to do it when it matters most – in the opening game against Croatia on June 12. This will be followed by matches against Mexico and Cameroon. Three points from the opening fixture against Croatia will put Brazil in a comfortable position going into these two matches, but Alves reckons that nobody is favourites going into the tournament. Alves comes on the back of a disappointing season with Barcelona in which he failed to win any major trophy for the first time in his career with the Catalan club. He is hoping to put behind this disappointment with the ultimate prize of all – a World Cup title.
Alves is aware that the home support will be extremely demanding of the team at times. “I think the result today matters less. The important thing is to get back to playing the way we want to, rather than results. Everyone took part and that’s what makes our group strong. Everyone is available to help. I don’t usually score, I usually help the team in other ways. But everyone’s happy when you’re able to get a goal,” said the defender, who is widely expected to leave Barcelona in the summer.
Brazil striker Fred also accepted that the pressure on the team has been increasing in recent weeks.