"This has a huge psychological meaning, no one needs to fool themselves about that," Tite said after the match.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva agreed. "It was a matter of pride, after all that has been written and said," said Silva, who missed the match in Belo Horizonte four years ago due to suspension. "This jersey deserves a little more respect. That's why I'm overjoyed about winning against a big opponent."

Midfielder Fernandinho says that any lingering apathy among Brazilian fans resulting from the last World Cup will disappear when the Selecao play their first match against Switzerland in Rostov on June 17.

"Brazilians treat the World Cup differently to the rest of the world," Fernandinho told reporters last week. "Shops close and everybody watches the matches. The passion that Brazilians have for football is so strong that when the World Cup starts, fans will no doubt support us. And as Brazil progresses in the tournament, I'm sure the support will only get stronger."

Meanwhile, Brazil's players will be focused on stepping up the fight that Tite began almost four years ago; a fight that this football-obsessed nation is hoping will bring glorious redemption in July.

【体坛英语资讯：World Cup preview: Will Russia 2018 bring Brazil World Cup redemption?】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame lit in ancient Olympia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Five-time All-Star Chris Webber retires from NBA

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hammers plan to upset another title hopeful

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hosts China struggle into quarter-finals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Bitter battles about the rights to athletes

★ 体坛英语资讯：Davydenko left out of Davis Cup final singles

★ 体坛英语资讯：Henry blames personal problems for difficulties at Barcelona

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese paddlers start as favorites at mens World Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Zhu leads Guangdong to CBA title with 31 points