The Brazilians are approaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup – next Friday – against Croatia with a smile, despite the pressures and demands of the fans, and the expectations of the global media.
During the great victory in the final price over South Korea (4-1), the Brazilian players doubled their celebrations with every goal, even performing what they called the “pigeon dance” alongside their coach Tite (61 years).
“It was agreed upon,” striker Richarlison said. “He (Tite) asked me to teach him the pigeon dance. It’s important for him to be there and also bring us this joy. It infects us on the pitch.”
However, the image of the cheerful Brazilians taking on the South Koreans drew criticism from the Seleção players. “You shouldn’t do it every time,” said former Ireland international Drew Keane. “It’s disrespectful, even their coach got involved. I don’t like it.”
There is always bitterness
For ex-player and now-adviser Graeme Souness, the situation carries risks of retaliation and other tough tackles: “It’s only a matter of time before someone beats one of these Brazilians.”
But Brazil is claiming its right to joy and lightness, perhaps after a tense and tense years at the World Cup. “There are always people who feel bitter, and see it as disrespectful. But I don’t want there to be any other explanation than the joy of the goal, the result and the performance,” Tite said.
Since his arrival in Qatar, Silesao has made relaxation his way so far, despite the injury of many prominent stars, such as: Neymar, who was absent for ten days; Because of a sprained ankle, before returning last Monday against South Korea.
“It’s our nature,” Tite explained before the tournament. He added, “Just as we respect Arab culture or other cultures, we respect our own. Is it joy? Yes. There are moments of concentration and seriousness, and other moments. Goals are the best time to celebrate, and this translates differently for everyone. For us, it’s dancing. With respect to the opponent, it’s A way to respect yourself.”
Joy and responsibility
In the life of the group, the coach was keen to maintain a good atmosphere by giving playing time to all his 26 players, even the third goalkeeper, Weverton, who entered at the end of last Monday’s match. While captain Thiago Silva confirmed that the competition between the main players and the substitutes is “healthy”, which was agreed upon by veteran Dani Alves, one of those who participated from the bench.
“If I had to play the drums for cheerleading, I would be the best drummer, and I would do what was good for the team,” Alves, 39, said.
And the Brazilian stars will have to keep this joy alive before the decisive quarter-final match against Croatia, despite the tremendous pressure on the shoulders of the Brazilians, whose supporters are desperately waiting for the sixth world title, 20 years after the last coronation.
“There is a lot of joy and excitement”, summed up goalkeeper coach Claudio Taffarel, “but there is also a sense of responsibility and relaxation”.