Hulk before Brazil v Venezuela: “We need to get fans on our side”

Brazil striker Hulk has played down the prospect of playing in front of an expectant crowd in Fortaleza on Tuesday night. Given that the Seleção qualified automatically for the last World Cup as hosts, the squad embarked on a global tour of friendlies, which has seen some distance grow between the team and the supporters. […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-10-12 20:45:00

Brazil striker Hulk has played down the prospect of playing in front of an expectant crowd in Fortaleza on Tuesday night. Given that the Seleção qualified automatically for the last World Cup as hosts, the squad embarked on a global tour of friendlies, which has seen some distance grow between the team and the supporters. In pre Copa América warm-ups in São Paulo and Porto Alegre, the team were roundly booed by dissatisfied local crowds.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Chile on match day 1, there are fears that the crowd in Fortaleza could turn nasty if Brazil are not in the ascendancy early on. But Hulk, a native of Paraíba, played down such concerns and suggested that it was the responsibility of the team to bring joy back to the fans, “When the seleção comes to Fortaleza, it is well received. Unfortunately we did not win the opener, but with the support of the fans, we need to make sure we bounce back with a big win,” said the Zenit striker.

“In every game we improved and I’m sure we will respond with joyful football again. Everyone here plays in big teams, in Europe and we have no reason not to work as a team. We want to give joy back to the national team,” he continued. Acknowledging the need for an early goal, Hulk explained, “The pressure is positive at the beginning of the game, we know our capabilities and we have to get focused, get the support of the fans on our side. A quick goal will help a lot, I’m sure that we will take advantage of the atmosphere.”

Coach Dunga also acknowledged that there was greater pressure on his team to capitalise and take full points at home, “The home matches will be crucial. We always have to get three points at home. Today football is very balanced and decided in the details. A small detail completely changes the game. It is here that you win or lose.”

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