Brazil´s Rodrygo and Marquinhos warn about over-confidence heading into World Cup

Brazilian players Rodrygo and Marquinhos have warned their teammates about the dangers of buying into their own hype, saying nothing good can come from expecting to win as favourites.

Boasting one of the strongest teams on paper, Brazil’s squad includes world-class centerpieces such as Neymar and Vinicius Junior, and they have made two Copa America finals since the 2018 World Cup, winning in 2019 and falling 1-0 to Argentina in 2021.

They will also play in Group G, where they will be joined by Cameroon, Serbia and Switzerland in three matchups Brazil will be heavily favoured in.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo said while he understands the pressure on his side to perform in Qatar, he would prefer to let their play do the talking.

“We know that we have a great national team, that we are among the favourites,” he said. “But there are also other very good teams as well.

“It’s no use saying we are favourites and then arriving on the pitch and not showing it. We know that everyone was in good form with their clubs and that’s why they’re here – many good players were left out.”

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Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos agreed, saying they will need to play hungry to fulfill their potential.

“If we think we are favourites, that we are the best, we will not go forward,” he said. “We’ve seen how things are in this competition, which is very difficult.

“All the teams are ready and very balanced, they can make life difficult. That’s the [World] Cup.

“It’s no use coming here and talking about the future. We have to get through the [group stage] first. It will be three very difficult games.”

Brazil kick off their campaign on Thursday, November 24 against Serbia.