adminBrazil left-back Marcelo says his side will not be seeking revenge when they renew acquaintance with Mexico in their second game of the Confederations Cup in Fortaleza today. The last encounter between teams representing the two countries saw Mexico shock the five-time world champions with a 2-1 victory in the final of the men’s football competition at the London Olympics last year.
It was a crushing defeat for Brazil, who have never claimed Olympic gold, but Marcelo said those involved had quickly put it behind them.
“The Mexico defeat didn’t stick in my throat. I don’t see this match as a chance for revenge,” said the Real Madrid defender, who was one of three permitted players aged over 23 in Brazil’s Olympic squad.
“Of course, I remember it. It was a very sad day for the players and the whole of Brazil. It’s difficult to say why we weren’t able to pierce their defence.
“We know that Mexico have great players, but we’re Brazil and we have some, too. We can think that the match will be difficult, but they have to think that as well.”
Brazil enjoyed an ideal start to the Confederations Cup on Saturday, with a stunning goal from poster boy Neymar setting them on the way to a breezy 3-0 win over Group A rivals Japan in the national capital Brasilia.
Brazil will secure a place in the semi-finals if they overcome Mexico at Estadio Castelao, but Marcelo was bewildered by reporters’ questions about the possibility of a final showdown with world champions Spain.
“You talk about Spain as if they were already waiting for us in the final, but we’ve barely started the competition,” he said.
“If we have to play them in the final, very good, it’ll be a great match. But we still have to play Mexico and Italy.
“Any adversary could then fall into our path — even Tahiti. It’s not up to us to pick our opponents.”
As well as the Olympic final victory, Mexico prevailed 2-0 when the sides last met in a friendly in Texas last year, and Brazil coach Luiz Felip Scolari has also warned his players not to take them lightly.
“We must be wary of Mexico and get over that hurdle,” he said. “Mexico have been making life complicated for us for a few years now.”
Having lost 2-1 to Italy in their opening game at the Maracana on Sunday, Mexico know that they will be eliminated if they lose to Brazil and the Italians avoid defeat against Japan.
Coach Jose Manuel de la Torre claimed “individual actions” were responsible for the loss to Italy, and in the Brazil of Neymar, Oscar and Hulk, he must confront another adversary brimming with individual talent.
“We produced some great football, but there are things to correct and we now have to concentrate on the next match against Brazil,” he said.
The defeat by Italy means Mexico have now won just once in 10 games in 2013, and with their World Cup qualifying hopes also in the balance, a positive display against Brazil would represent a timely fillip.
Estadio Castelao, home to Brazilian sides Ceara and Fortaleza, has undergone extensive renovation in preparation for the Confederations Cup and next year’s World Cup, giving it an increased capacity of 64 846.
Meanwhile, Japan are favourites to beat Italy in the Confederations Cup today because of their Italian manager and the fact they have had more rest, according to Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli.
He believes Japan’s Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s familiarity with his compatriots might cause Italy problems.
“Japan will have the slight edge, I think, because they have an extra day of rest,” said Prandelli.
“Plus, Alberto knows us very well, he knows how we work. I expect him to prepare a trap for us.
“From tonight (ysterday), we will begin planning for the Japan game. I trust that he will come up with an interesting strategy against us,” Prandelli was quoted as saying on www.fifa.com.
Italy have never lost to Japan but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon knows they must improve to stand any chance of winning the Confederations Cup for the first time. — Sapa-AFP-Reuters
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter