Skip to content

World Cup: Willian hoping Brazil can deliver for an expectant fan base

Willian Brazil
Image: Willian: Hoping to help Brazil to a sixth World Cup triumph

Willian believes an expectant home support 'deserve' to see Brazil celebrating World Cup success this summer.

The host nation head into the 2014 tournament as favourites, with anything less than a sixth global crown set to be considered a failure.

The players are fully aware of the level of expectation, but are confident they can deliver on it.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was at the Brazil helm for their last triumph in 2002 and has pieced together a squad this time around that boasts defensive strength and attacking flair.

Chelsea playmaker Willian hopes he can help to provide the creative spark that carries Brazil all the way, allowing a football-crazed nation to forget about off-field troubles and rejoice as one.

Every team we play will treat us like their World Cup final. We know that’s the size of the task we face but we are ready for it.
Willian

He said: “The Brazilians, as a nation, they deserve it. They have been waiting a long time.

“Every team we play will treat us like their World Cup final. We know that’s the size of the task we face but we are ready for it.

More from World Cup 2014

“We know we have fantastic support from the fans and we will give everything to make them happy.

“It’s going to be difficult. But we have a good team and are full of confidence.”

Brazil open their campaign against Croatia on Thursday and, despite the belief flowing through the camp, Willian insists they will be taking no opponents lightly.

He added: “We know it will be a hard game. They will go all in against us. They will play the game of their lives because the world is watching.

“Everyone we play will raise their game against us. But we can’t worry about that.

“We just have to focus on ourselves and make sure we win the game.”

Around Sky