Dani Alves has spoken in the name of Brazil’s pride as a successful nation in the world of football…
Brazil played out an uneventful goalless draw against minnows Venezuela in their opening match of the 2011 Copa America. The reigning South American champions are now expected to win at all cost against Paraguay on Saturday.
And whereas some may beg Brazilian fans to take it easy, key player Dani Alves wants to build on confidence and pedigree to make things happen although he agrees that patience is also needed.
The Barcelona defender has seen pal Lionel Messi stumble against Bolivia and Colombia and wants Brazil to backup instead of emulating Argentina’s disappointing feat so far. In the build-up to their game against the Paraguayans, Dani Alves told the press:
“We bet on our talent, considering the quality of the individuals we have. But individual talents only show up when the group is flowing.
“We cannot overcharge these talents with responsibility. We have young players and a new squad. We must have patience.
“But the pressure, on Mano [Menezes] and on us, is acceptable. The people are used to seeing the Seleçao win. We have to take that responsibility.
“Although the squad is young, it's filled with players with a lot of personality. We are at the Brazilian team and we can't accept other results than the victory.”
Brazil and Paraguay are in Group B where there has not been a single goal scored or allowed thus far.
And whereas some may beg Brazilian fans to take it easy, key player Dani Alves wants to build on confidence and pedigree to make things happen although he agrees that patience is also needed.
The Barcelona defender has seen pal Lionel Messi stumble against Bolivia and Colombia and wants Brazil to backup instead of emulating Argentina’s disappointing feat so far. In the build-up to their game against the Paraguayans, Dani Alves told the press:
“We bet on our talent, considering the quality of the individuals we have. But individual talents only show up when the group is flowing.
“We cannot overcharge these talents with responsibility. We have young players and a new squad. We must have patience.
“But the pressure, on Mano [Menezes] and on us, is acceptable. The people are used to seeing the Seleçao win. We have to take that responsibility.
“Although the squad is young, it's filled with players with a lot of personality. We are at the Brazilian team and we can't accept other results than the victory.”
Brazil and Paraguay are in Group B where there has not been a single goal scored or allowed thus far.
