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Cape Town - Brazil defender David Luiz still thinks that the host country's greatest
strength at this year's tournament is the defensive make-up.
While Brazil have emerged virtually unscathed during their first two World Cup fixtures, having only conceded one goal, doubts have still emerged about the reliability of the Selecao’s defensive core, especially after the performance against Croatia in the tournament opener. However, Luiz insists that this is still the best defence that Brazil have sent to a World Cup to date.
"It's part of our make-up now," Luiz told FIFA.com.
At previous campaigns tremendous emphasis has been placed on Brazil’s attacking prowess. However, under current manager Luiz Felipe Scolari that mentality has changed somewhat.
"It's a feature of modern football and it's something our team does very well. Everybody attacks and everyone defends," explained Luiz, who has embraced the current circumstances.
"It's something that's evolved over time and which players like Oscar and Neymar, who play in Europe, have got to grips with well.
There are days when the ball just won't go in, it can happen.
"But, if we don't let the opposition score, then we're already taking a big step towards winning the game, one way or another," added the Paris Saint-Germain defender.
Star striker Neymar, who echoed similar sentiments, has also embraced the idea of contributing a whole lot more to the team than just scoring goals.
"It's become a truly vital characteristic of ours. We've been doing this since the Confederations Cup," said Neymar.
"Even when we're not managing to score, we can't go switching off at the back. It gives us more chance of starting attacks too: if we're all on our guard at all times, we can try and win the ball back as quickly as possible," he added.
While Brazil have emerged virtually unscathed during their first two World Cup fixtures, having only conceded one goal, doubts have still emerged about the reliability of the Selecao’s defensive core, especially after the performance against Croatia in the tournament opener. However, Luiz insists that this is still the best defence that Brazil have sent to a World Cup to date.
"It's part of our make-up now," Luiz told FIFA.com.
At previous campaigns tremendous emphasis has been placed on Brazil’s attacking prowess. However, under current manager Luiz Felipe Scolari that mentality has changed somewhat.
"It's a feature of modern football and it's something our team does very well. Everybody attacks and everyone defends," explained Luiz, who has embraced the current circumstances.
"It's something that's evolved over time and which players like Oscar and Neymar, who play in Europe, have got to grips with well.
There are days when the ball just won't go in, it can happen.
"But, if we don't let the opposition score, then we're already taking a big step towards winning the game, one way or another," added the Paris Saint-Germain defender.
Star striker Neymar, who echoed similar sentiments, has also embraced the idea of contributing a whole lot more to the team than just scoring goals.
"It's become a truly vital characteristic of ours. We've been doing this since the Confederations Cup," said Neymar.
"Even when we're not managing to score, we can't go switching off at the back. It gives us more chance of starting attacks too: if we're all on our guard at all times, we can try and win the ball back as quickly as possible," he added.
