Tite backs Brazil to grow in World Cup's knock-out phase MOSCOW

AFP  |  Moscow 

insists can cope with being installed as favourites, following Germany's shock exit, with the Selecao boss backing his side to grow in the knock-out stages at 2018.

With having failing to advanced past the first round for the first time in 80 years,

are now installed with many bookmakers as they favourite to win

expects his side to grow in the knock-out stages having finished as Group E winners.

"We can take the pressure, we are a balanced team and we have replacement who can come in, which is important," said the Brazil's head

"For example, Marcelo was injured early on and we were able to replace him.

"For us, this is about getting stronger and growing.

"We embrace expectations, but this team has created a high level because they did very well in the qualifications, but then you come to - it's a new cycle and a new format.

"We have had three matches and things are on the up." Tite said he suffers with an embarrassment of riches and that one of the hardest parts of his job is deciding who to leave out, having brought on Manchester City star Fernandinho in the second half and left Liverpool's on the bench in

"It's one of the things which drains me the most as a is to leave top quality out," he said.

"You have to challenge the athletes to grow, it's a short tournament and you have to have the right athletes for the right games." However, the victory may have come at a price as left-back Marcelo was forced off in the 10th minute with a back

Visibly struggling, the Real Madrid defender was initially reluctant to leave the pitch, before being replaced by his Atletico Madrid counterpart Filipe Luis.

"We don't have an update on Marcelo's injury, I just know he has a problem with his back, he said his back was locked," revealed Brazil Tite.

"It was a in the stabilising muscle and you can't play with that.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, June 28 2018. 10:05 IST