Dani Alves: Brazil fans must cheer young players

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has called for the Brazilian fans to be patient with the young Seleção side.

The 29-year-old overcame a thigh injury to start for Brazil during their narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa on Friday, in which fans booed and criticised the team's performance.

However, a number of players have criticised the fans, such as Hulk, for their lack of support during the game and Alves believes the supporters need to take care of their young players such as Neymar, Oscar and Lucas, in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup.

He said: "I have nothing against the fans of São Paulo. I meant only that our best player [Neymar], our franchise player, our player that can make the difference, needs to be handled with care.

"Supporters have every right to complain, but they need to understand that our best player has to be treated with more care.

"It's a very young group that has had to deal with too much pressure. As one more experienced, I have to act to protect them, [Fans] have to cheer them instead of criticising them."

Mano Menezes’ young Brazilian side will now face China in a friendly tomorrow.