The world number 3, boasting several top stars including PSG star Neymar, were the overwhelming favourite before kick off but the Selecao could only labour to a drab draw with Nigeria in Singapore, opening the team up for criticisms.
Coach Tite’s side started brightly but after seeing former Barcelona star Neymar exit the game due to hamstring complaints the Samba Boys soon lost the initiative and Joe Aribo duly punished them with a well crafted goal just past the hour mark.
Real Madrid’s Casemiro got the equalizer soon after the restart but one of the top three ranked countries in the world and the reigning Copa America champions could not find the winning goal against a largely inexperienced Super Eagles team.
With the Selecao now on a four match winless streak since lifting the continental trophy in July, coach Tite has charged critics to allow his team make mistakes during preparatory games so they could be better when tournaments proper begin.
“Criticism is inevitable. We are adjusting our team and trying to develop new systems. We are preparing for competition, the 58-year-old Tite told the press at the post-match conference.
“Now is the time to make mistakes but when we play in official competitions, we need to make zero mistakes.”
Everton winger Richarlison came close to scoring for the Samba Boys and he was also left disappointed as his team recorded yet another draw after a similar result against Senegal a few days earlier.
“As Brazil, we are always expected to win. When we don’t win, it is like something is wrong,” said Richarlison.
“We actually played quite well in the second half but, of course, we can still do better.”
