'I remain very optimistic' - Brazil legend backs national team at World Cup

Brazil football legend Ronaldo remains confident that the national side can still achieve big things at the World Cup.  

The five-time winners began their campaign on Saturday against Morocco, and it was a worrying performance. 

Morocco were dominant in the first half, and opened the scoring with Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute before an impressive Vinicius Jr. equaliser 11 minutes later. 

The second half was underwhelming, with both teams settling for a draw, and Brazil's performance did raise concerns as to whether they could be real contenders to win a sixth World Cup. 

'The nervousness hindered Brazil'

After watching the Morocco draw, Ronaldo remains optimistic about Brazil's chances, claiming the nerves that come with an opening World Cup game played a major part in the team's struggles. 

"It’s stable, in the same position. I remain very optimistic," Ronaldo told ESPN. 

"I think the pressure of the first game, I had already noticed because it wasn’t normal to make so many passing errors, especially in the first half, Casemiro positioning himself in positions to receive the ball with his back.

"Rafinha playing on the left when he had an incredible year with Barcelona on the right. Some things like that, it wasn’t understandable at first, but in the second half it started to improve.

"Casemiro was taken out and substituted because of the card, but I think the nervousness really hindered the Brazilian team, and after seeing Ancelotti’s interview and the players admitting this nervousness, I felt reassured as well."

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Ronaldo’s best World Cup moments

 

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Brazil's next two group games are much easier tasks. 

First up is Haiti on Friday night, and then Scotland five days later. 

Both of these matches are ones which Brazil are expected to win to secure their place in the knockout stages. 

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