The Seleção finally put in a winning performance, as two goals apiece from Alexandre Pato and Neymar helped to secure a 4-2 victory over Ecuador and set up a quarter-final tie against Paraguay.
But Menezes said after the game: “If our intention is to reach the semi-finals, then we must improve more. We needed this good performance against Ecuador, but there are still ways we can improve. There are always things we can correct.”
The Brazil coach was pleased with the performance of Neymar, who responded to his critics with a return to form against Ecuador.
“He is still settling in the national team,” said Menezes. “We know he can continue to grow in this team and in the Copa America. We talked with him before the game, and today he scored, which was important for him.”
As for quarter-final opponents Paraguay, who Brazil have already played once in this year’s tournament, Menezes is taking nothing for granted, and added: “We will show them the same respect that we did in the first game.”
