Brazil coach Mano Menezes would not be driven by pressure from the media ahead of July’s Copa America.
Dunga’s successor has the mission of helping Brazil retain their title as the reigning kings of the CONMEBOL zone, but the manager preferred to analyze the 2011 Copa America from a rather realistic point of view. Mano Menezes singled out Argentina as the tournament’s favorites—being the hosts besides carrying the big desire of ending their 18-year Copa America title drought.
“Just as we are favorites for the 2014 World Cup, Argentina are favorites right now. And more so, considering how long they’ve been without a trophy.”
Whereas many are already wishing and predicting a re-match of the 2007 final between Argentina and Brazil, Coach Mano Menezes reminded the public that his team have battles to fight in the group stages in the first place.
The Seleçao have been drawn in Group B which contains the likes of Ecuardor, Venezuela, and 2010 World Cup participants Paraguay. Menezes allowed himself to analyze Brazil’s section by explaining:
“In the group stage, I see Paraguay as our toughest opponents. However, we must be careful against Ecuador and Venezuela as well.
“This tells why, right now, I believe that our hardest match will be the one against Venezuela. That is, because it will be our first match.”
In terms of historical domination on the South American continent, Brazil have a long way to go to top the likes of Argentina and Uruguay. The Albicelestes and La Celeste Olimpica are joint leaders with 14 titles each as the Copa America’s most successful team. Brazil, meanwhile, are 6 trophies behind and while the country’s football fans are looking to clinch title number 9 in Argentina in July, Mano Menezes hopes to enjoy a memorable campaign.
“We have to take advantage of every game and every moment that we have. Our goal is to play a great Copa America. The tournament is a key step on the way to the 2014 World Cup.”
“Just as we are favorites for the 2014 World Cup, Argentina are favorites right now. And more so, considering how long they’ve been without a trophy.”
Whereas many are already wishing and predicting a re-match of the 2007 final between Argentina and Brazil, Coach Mano Menezes reminded the public that his team have battles to fight in the group stages in the first place.
The Seleçao have been drawn in Group B which contains the likes of Ecuardor, Venezuela, and 2010 World Cup participants Paraguay. Menezes allowed himself to analyze Brazil’s section by explaining:
“In the group stage, I see Paraguay as our toughest opponents. However, we must be careful against Ecuador and Venezuela as well.
“This tells why, right now, I believe that our hardest match will be the one against Venezuela. That is, because it will be our first match.”
In terms of historical domination on the South American continent, Brazil have a long way to go to top the likes of Argentina and Uruguay. The Albicelestes and La Celeste Olimpica are joint leaders with 14 titles each as the Copa America’s most successful team. Brazil, meanwhile, are 6 trophies behind and while the country’s football fans are looking to clinch title number 9 in Argentina in July, Mano Menezes hopes to enjoy a memorable campaign.
“We have to take advantage of every game and every moment that we have. Our goal is to play a great Copa America. The tournament is a key step on the way to the 2014 World Cup.”
