Brazil not seeking Olympic revenge against Mexico, declares Hulk

Sport360 staff 05:17 17/06/2014
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  • Clear minds: Brazil's Hulk (r).

    Brazil striker Hulk insists revenge is not on the agenda as the World Cup hosts bid to all-but secure their place in the last 16 against rivals Mexico on Tuesday.

    Mexico shattered Brazil’s dream of winning the only major prize missing from their honours list two years ago, when they stunned the South Americans 2-1 to claim the Olympic gold medal in London.

    But Hulk insists there is no question of Brazil looking to settle a score as they face the Mexicans at Fortaleza’s Castelao Stadium.

    It is the same venue where they met in the group stage of the Confederations Cup last year when Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side claimed a 2-0 victory.

    That success means a measure of revenge has already been exacted, and forward Hulk insisted that Brazil will only have one thing on their minds come kick-off. 

    “In the Confederations Cup we tried to think only about winning the game and it will be the same this time. If we think about revenge it could cause us problems,” said the powerful forward, who scored in the Olympic final clash.

    Nevertheless, the London defeat left its mark on him, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Oscar and Neymar, the five members of Brazil’s 2014 squad who featured at Wembley.

    Mexico striker Oribe Peralta featured in that tournament as an over-age player and scored the winner in the final.

    The 30-year-old has since forced his way into the ful senior side’s starting team, ahead of Manchester United frontman Javier Hernandez. Coach Miguel Herrera’s decison to favour Peralta has been debated, but the player said he was not worried about such discussions.

    “We don’t let these things affect us. There’s healthy competition during our training sessions, everyone is giving their all to be named in the team,” Peralta insisted.

    “And after that, it’s up to the coach to decide who are the best men for the job and who’s going to play. What’s clear is that nobody can relax. Nobody can be sure of starting every match, we all have to show that we deserve it out on the field of play and in training."

    And could the two of them play together?

    “Yes, of course,” Peralta replied. “I get on very well with him. And if that’s what Herrera wants, that’s how it will be.”

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