Brazil stars warn against complacency

Leading members of Brazil’s World Cup squad admit there is even more pressure on them to win the tournament following the shock elimination of big guns France, Argentina and Portugal.

The Samba Boys face Belgium in the second round tomorrow with national expectations raised by the early exit of some of the tournament favourites.

Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos said he felt sorry for arch-rivals Argentina, who crashed out in the ‘Group of Death’ to Sweden and England, who await the winners of Brazil’s game against Belgium.

He added he was relieved one of the main favourites have gone, and warned his team-mates they must now cope with the extra expectations.

He said: ‘‘I’m sorry for them because there are great players and the World Cup needs them.

‘‘But at the same time I’m relieved because Argentina are one strong candidate less to face.

Goalkeeper Marcos, playing in his first World Cup finals following the retirement of Claudio Taffarel post France 98, added: ‘‘We have to go about being favourites in the right, positive way.

‘‘We can’t lose our concentration because of the other people’s attention over us.’’

Captain Cafu believes his side have learned a lot from the shock upsets, and reckons there is little chance of complacency setting in.

The Roma man said: ‘‘I’m not surprised by these elimination’s because the football has evolved a lot.

‘‘We have to learn from this and play with much humbleness.’’