World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 44,190

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 27, 2018 at 7pm UK

Serbia Serbia
0-2
Brazil

FT(HT: 0-1)

Paulinho (36'), Silva (68')

Tite: 'Brazil are growing at World Cup'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter

Published: June 28 2018 | 11:58

Last updated: July 1 2018 | 14:12

Brazil boss Tite says that his players are growing "mentally stronger" after they progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday.

Brazil boss Tite has said that his players are growing "mentally stronger" after they progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday.

The South Americans, who secured top spot in Group E with a 2-0 win over Serbia, will play Mexico on Monday evening in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.

Tite told Sky Sports News that his team are capable of handling the pressure and progressing deep into the tournament.

"This is a team that is growing mentally stronger in the competition and taking the pressure with a good performance on the pitch and a balanced team," the manager said. "These are all aspects. You need options, which is important. For example, Marcelo came off two minutes into the game injured. You have to have a strong squad.

"With bookmakers it is all very random. For us it is about getting stronger and growing. We embrace expectations, but this team has created a high expectation because it did very well during qualifying and in the friendlies.

"Then you come to the World Cup which is a new format. We embraced the expectation and I wanted them to play like they played against Croatia and Austria [in friendly matches], but the World Cup brings out different characteristics. There are huge expectations but we are evolving and consolidating."

Brazil are favorites going into Monday's game according to most crypto football bookies, but this Mexican side could still pull off an upset.