Brazil got what it wanted in the opening game of the Confederations Cup. It beat Japan and regained support from demanding home fans after a series of disappointing home results.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had acknowledged that it was crucial to play well in the first match of the tournament to get the fans back on board, and Brazil did just that in a convincing 3-0 victory with goals by Neymar, Paulinho and Jo.
Brazil was jeered during home matches earlier this year, but this time got the crowd support it wanted.
“It was natural that the fans reacted like that, especially after we scored a goal just three minutes into the match,” Scolari said. “After that, we got them to support us. If we had scored only in the second half or if Japan had played better, then it would have been more difficult.”
With the stands nearly packed and painted in the yellow colour of the Brazilian jersey, the fans got behind Brazil from the start and the support continued throughout the match at the National Stadium in Brasilia.
“What I saw during the national anthem, with the entire stadium singing, was fantastic. That’s how it needs to be,” Scolari said. “When something like that happens, it can scare the opponent.”