Brazil may have been one of the big disappointments so far at the World Cup, but the pressure is on its opponent Serbia in their final Group E match on Wednesday.
Brazil, whose only defeats by the Balkan side came against the old Yugoslavia in 1930 and 1934, needs just a draw to secure qualification for the last 16.
For Serbia, a win would guarantee its progress, although a draw could see it through if the Swiss is beaten by Costa Rica by more than one goal in the other group game.
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Brazil comes into the game under fire at home after poor performances in its first two games. It was subdued in its 1-1 draw against Switzerland and had to wait until injury time to finally secure the goals and the win against a limited Costa Rica side.
Full-back Fagner believes the pressure is a result of its own spectacular showing leading up to the tournament, a period in which it lost only one match in 21, scoring 47 goals and conceding just five.
“I believe that because of all we did in the qualifiers and friendlies there is a huge expectation that we win our games,” Fagner told reporters at Brazil’s training camp.
“Our opponents prepare well to neutralise us, but I think as games go on we will create chances either with plays from the professor (coach Tite) or through our own improvisations. Each result and win generates more confidence.”
Brazil is expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Costa Rica, although its biggest opponent may be itself.
The five-time World Cup winner has been criticised at home with striker Neymar bearing the brunt of the opprobrium.
The most expensive player in the world and a constant presence on billboards, television and social media, Neymar has not lived up to the hype and broke down in tears after the last-gasp win over Costa Rica.
Fagner brushed off suggestions that the pressure was already having an effect on Tite’s side and said it was a natural reaction and maybe even a welcome consequence of its own high standards.
“We have created an expectation and that leads to pressure. We know we can get better, and that leaves us enthused because we know over the tournament you get better each game,” he said.