Rostov-on-Don: Brazil’s stuttering performance stemmed from anxiety at playing their first World Cup game, coach Tite said after their 1-1 draw Sunday with Switzerland here.
“Until we scored the goal there was a lot of pressure. There was a lot of anxiety, too much pressure and it translated into our way of playing, we were not precise enough,” Tite told a news conference after the game.
“We had some good, clean situations but could have been more precise. This kind of anxiety comes from the concern of playing a first game in a World Cup; even the coach is anxious,” he added.
Brazil need to improve on dead balls, said Tite. “In a World Cup, about 45 per cent of the goals come from set pieces,” he explained.
Of course I’m not happy with the result. We wanted a victory. We really have to get our act together in the game against Costa Rica
Tite – Brazil coach
His assistant, Cleber, rued the team’s lack of killer instinct as Brazil enjoyed possession but too often lost the ball in or near the box.
“The Swiss were more balanced than at the 2014 World Cup, they put some pressure on us and we created chances but were not efficient,” Cleber pointed out.
Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic said his team deserved more recognition. “I hope they start looking up and taking notice of us and taking us seriously,” said Petkovic, whose side held Spain to the same score in a warm-up friendly.
“Sometimes, there is a lack of recognition and that is a pity. Playing against Brazil and Spain, we demonstrated we could react, that this team always believe in themselves and can get results. We will continue to play with this consistency.”