adminBrazilian full-back Dani Alves has acknowledged that his country needs to improve if they are to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Two successive draws have left the Selecao in sixth position in the South American qualifying table, and with only the top four teams guaranteed progression, Alves knows his team needs to up their game.
“I believe we have to improve,” said Barcelona defender. “We gave a lot of space for them.
“But I think (the media) is not the place to talk about it. It is behind the scenes, talking and doing our part, because I believe that this is the Brazilian national team.
“For rivals to respect us, we have to do the basic work.”
Alves scored a 92nd minute equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw with Paraguay on Tuesday night, and the 32-year-old believes his team’s mental strength is one positive they can take form the solitary pint gained in that match.
“The team needs to have spirit, determination and attitude, as we had on this day,” he said. “We are not satisfied with it, but we know that we are working and struggling to be able to return the team to the place it deserves to be.
“The game became very difficult. I’m glad nobody got hurt, because the pitch is a disaster. It’s hard to play on such a pitch.
“But nothing will serve as an excuse. This is the degree of difficulty you face in qualifiers.”
Brazil next face Ecuador – who are joint top with Uruguay in the South American qualification standings – in their next qualifier in August. – KICKOFF.
Online Reporter