Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Tite has denied tagging them favourites at the Copa America 2021 final against Argentina on Sunday. He also stated that Brazil know how to keep Lionel Messi in control at the Maracana Stadium.
Hosting the Copa America 2021 at the last moment, after Argentina and Colombia went out of the race due to COVID-19, defending champions Brazil have impressed so far winning all except one draw in the group stages. Many have tipped Brazil as the pre-final favourites against their bitter rivals.
With Messi in form for Argentina, the Albiceleste have more than a chance with an aim for the first Copa America title since 1993. “I know how to mark him, but I’m not going to reveal it,” Tite said during the pre-match press conference. “If Argentina tell us how they’re planning to mark Neymar, then we’ll open things up and tell them our plan for Messi.”
🚨 ⚽️ 🗳️@Argentina | @CBF_Futebol | #CopaAmerica | #CopaAmerica2021
Who will win the @CopaAmerica?
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) July 10, 2021
Ahead of the much-awaited summit clash, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro tipped Neymar and Co to win 5-0. Tite was quick to douse the fire stating he doesn’t believe his side are favourites. “I cannot predict it and say that Brazil are more deserving,” Tite said. “I cannot make that claim. But the 90 minutes played in the final will tell us who deserves it the most.”
More than a match, it will be Neymar versus Messi at the Maracana Stadium with both stars expected to put in a show. “We know how great these two football icons are,” Tite said of Messi and Neymar. “To speak of them is to speak of excellence on a technical, mental and physical level. They have a very high creative ability. As a result, we’ll have a great show to enjoy.”
