Brazil coach Tite said his dancing celebration during his team’s emphatic 4-1 World Cup win over South Korea on Monday was an expression of pure joy at the attacking performance. daredevil of his team, and would help him bond with his young team.
Brazil’s players rushed to the bench after Richarlison put the five-time world champions ahead 3-0 within 30 minutes of their round of 16 clash with South Korea, and Tite briefly joined in the dance.
“We try to adapt to the characteristics of the players,” the 61-year-old said when asked about his swing at a news conference. “They are very young and I try to adapt myself a little to their language, and part of their language is dance.”
He said his players told him before the match that they would make him dance with them if they scored.
Not everyone was impressed. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, speaking on British television ITV, said: “People say it’s their culture. But I think that’s really disrespecting the opposition.”
Tite was careful to emphasize that this was not the case.
“There is no other interpretation than happiness for the goal, happiness for the team, happiness for the performance,” he said. “There was no disrespect to the opponent or to (South Korean coach) Paulo Bento, for whom I have a lot of respect.”
Brazil took a 4-0 lead over South Korea before the break, with goals from Vinicius Jr., Richarlison and Lucas Paquetá, plus a penalty from Neymar. The match ended 4-1 after substitute Paik Seung-ho scored a consolation goal for the Asian team.
Brazil will face Croatia for the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Friday (2), at 12:00 (BrasÃlia time). They also beat Japan on penalties on Monday after their last-16 tie ended 1-1.
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