Brazil defender, Miranda takes shot at Belgium skipper, Vicent Kompany ahead of their last eight match.
Manchester City star, Kompany who made his first 2018 World Cup start in their dramatic win against Japan after returning from injury, disclosed his side are not losing sleep over facing Brazil in his recent press conference.
“Individually, Brazil are the strongest team in this World Cup,” Kompany told reporters. “That is a compliment but it doesn’t affect our chances against them. None of us are going to sleep at night thinking we have already lost to Brazil. They always have a key to unlock any situation. We are going to look them in the eye. But if we make this a match of individuals, then we’ll lose.”
Miranda who plays for five-time World Cup winners, Brazil, reacted to Kompany’s claims during a press conference at the Kazan Arena stadium. “We know there is all kinds of provocation, it’s a way to hide your fear,” he said. “I think it’s a way of showing trust, and hiding fear. You have to prepare yourself, especially against the Brazil national team.
“A leader like Kompany has to show confidence to his team-mates, just as the more experienced players have to show confidence through our actions to our own team-mates.”
However, Brazil coach Tite said his side are already preparing for penalty kicks, having seen three of the eight matches in the last 16 go to penalties. “For me as a coach a football match should never end with penalties, I don’t see that as a valid result,” said Tite.
“You have to suggest another way, but I don’t know what. We have been practising Taking a penalty is a technique and it is associated to emotional control.”
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