Thursday, 12th June, 2014
Brazil defender Dani Alves has insisted that his side are relaxed ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia tonight.
The Selecao will be under tremendous pressure to perform well at the showpiece event, given the tournament is being held in Brazil.
But Alves, whose country are in Group A along with Croatia, Cameroon and Mexico, explained that Brazil want a good start in the competition by feeding off the nation’s desire and enthusiasm.
“I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure, to be honest,” he told FIFA’s official site.
“The team wants nothing more than to get started on this challenge, and that desire and enthusiasm is greater than any problems we might have.
relatedNewsStory
“That’s the attitude we’re taking into the World Cup.”
Brazil, the Confederations Cup champions, have won many admirers due to their high-tempo pressing game.
But Alves stated that his side are not getting carried away by the accolades and are instead focused on playing well at the World Cup.
“This year we’ve won something a lot more important than a trophy and that’s the renewed confidence that people have in our football,” he added.
“We’re not getting carried away about it, though, because we’re focused on the next objective, one that’s coming up real soon.”
After today’s game against Croatia, Brazil will take on Mexico on Tuesday before playing Cameroon in their final group stage match on 23rd June.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
