Miranda: Kompany trying to hide Belgian fear

Belgium defender Vincent Kompany’s combative remarks in the leadup to today’s quarter-final blockbuster were a “provocation” intended to hide his “fear”, Brazil centre back Miranda has said.

Veteran Kompany described Brazil as “individually the strongest team in this World Cup” during a media conference. But he said no Belgium players were “going to sleep at night thinking we have already lost to Brazil”.

He said Belgium would look their “opponents in the eye” when they play at Kazan Arena in the pick of the quarter-finals in Russia.

Miranda, who will become the fourth Brazil player to wear the captain’s armband at the tournament, said his opposing centre back was trying to pump his team up.

“We know all kinds of provocation, a way to hide your fear,” Miranda said through a translator at the pre-match media conference yesterday.

“I think it’s a way of showing trust and hiding fear.

“You have to prepare yourself especially against the Brazil national team, and a leader like Kompany has to show confidence to his team-mates, like the more experienced players have to show confidence in our actions to our team mates.”

The match pits two of the most fancied teams at the World Cup against each other, with Brazil’s stingy defence to contend with Belgium’s array of attacking threats.

Brazil have conceded just one goal in four matches, with Inter Milan’s Miranda playing a big part in the defensive stonewall with centre back partner Thiago Silva. The pair have started in all four games but may face their biggest test against a Belgium boasting the firepower of Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.

Miranda said five-times champions Brazil could ill afford to focus on shutting down individual players as they bid to reach a semi-final against either France or Uruguay.

Brazil head coach Tite, right, and Miranda. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

“Belgium is not just Lukaku,” he said.

“Certainly they have a very strong attack, but the main way to stop the opponent is to be aware of all the players on the pitch. [They have] several high quality players, they are very skilful and taller, so our defence will be very well-prepared to neutralise all of the opponent’s attacks.”

Brazilian boss Tite admitted yesterday the Brazil camp feels the pressure but spoke about how a chat with former Argentina boss Carlos Bianchi has helped him to cope.

If you ask me what is the greatest challenge of a World Cup, it’s the mental fatigue. The pressure is immense, it’s extraordinary. It proliferates through the family. I tell them don’t listen, don’t watch, because there is a lot of psychological pressure.

“[Bianchi] told me one of the virtues of a great team is to be mentally strong and have balance and focus. With all his knowhow and experience, that really got imprinted on my mind. Now I tell my players we need to exercise common sense: Neither euphoria nor the fear of losing. Keep your heads cool.”

Tite confirmed Marcelo will be recalled in defence after missing the 2-0 last-16 win over Mexico through injury. Fernandinho is also expected to replace the suspended Casemiro.

“It will be a great match,” Tite said. “Both teams excel with beautiful football. Belgium have great players and a great coach as well. I’ve always put them in the group of potential champions and it’s the same now.”

Tite isn’t a fan of penalty shootouts, but doesn’t have any better ideas to separate sides late in the competition.

“Taking a penalty is something really hard. A football match should never end by taking penalties,” Tite said. “I don’t see that as a valid result. But I don’t know what to suggest instead.”

The five-time champions have a 3-1 record in penalty shootouts at the World Cup. After losing the first one they played against France in 1986, the Selecao came out on top of the last three.

Tite said his players have been practising spot kicks, with hree of the eight knockout matches so far at this year’s World Cup decided by a penalty shootout.

“Taking penalties is a technique that is associated with emotional control,” Tite said. “We have been practicing penalties. It’s an incredible responsibility.”