‘Revenge not on Brazil’s agenda’
Brazil 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 on Wednesday.
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.”
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