Brazil coach Mano Menezes defends out-of-form stars
Brazil coach Mano Menezes defends out-of-form starsBrazil coach Mano Menezes says his team is a work in progress and claims he needs more time to make the ultra talented Brazilian internationals play like a team, according to reports in USA Today.
Brazil's Fred (right) watches teammate Lucas Moura head the ball during
Sunday's Copa America match against Paraguay in Cordoba. PIC/AFP Brazil have failed to impress in the on-going Copa America so far. They drew 0-0 with Venezuela in their opening game and followed it up with another disappointing show in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Paraguay.
"We don't have a team yet," Menezes said. "We have good individual players and we have to make them work together in a team which is still being built."
Menezes explained the squad is being revamped keeping the 2014 World Cup at home in mind. "We need to understand the stage in which we are in.
"We know what we need to do for the 2014 World Cup. I could've brought only young players to this competition, but that could've added too much pressure on them, so we opted for a mixed squad, with experienced players to support the youngsters in moments like these."
Brazil, who are fighting to win their third straight Copa title, need a win in their final group game against Ecuador on Wednesday to advance in the competition.
Colombia enter quartersPorto hitman Radamel Falcao's brace against Bolivia fired Colombia into the quarter-finals on Sunday after having wrapped up top spot in Group A.
With the best two third-placed finishers at the event also reaching the quarters Colombia's win spelt joy for Chile, Peru and Venezuela as they all have four points and cannot now be caught by the side which will take third spot in Group A.
