Tottenham midfielder Sandro has described Brazil’s performance in the Olympic final as “lamentable”, following the Seleção’s 2-1 defeat at Wembley.
Sandro, 23, though, did deny that Brazil had in anyway underestimated their opponents, insisting that the side was fully aware of Mexico’s ability.
The Spurs enforcer lined-up alongside Rômulo at the base of the midfield for the 5-time World Champions, but the duo failed to deal with a Mexico side playing with skill and vibrancy from the first minute.
“Never, as a knowledgeable group, with experienced players, would we underestimate Mexico in anyway,” Sandro told Globo Esporte post-match. “We know their ability having got to the final. They didn’t get there for nothing.
“Unfortunately we didn’t play in the first-half. It’s lamentable to say this, lamentable… In the second-half we started with a different manner, more aggressive, vibrant, playing for one another.”
Sandro will now return to club-duty with Tottenham ahead of the start of the Premier League season next week.
In the absence of Scott Parker, the opening weeks of the new campaign present the Brazilian with a chance to impress new manager André Villas-Boas.
To stake a long-term claim, for both club and country, he will know a much improved performance will be necessary from the showing at Wembley.
