Oscar desperate to deliver World Cup joy to Brazil’s fanatical public

Sport360 staff 15:19 02/07/2014
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  • At only 22 years old, Brazil’s attacking midfielder, Oscar, is making waves on the pitch. Hailed as one of the top players to emerge from this year’s World Cup host nation, he helped Brazil’s World Cup campaign off to a strong start with an impressive performance in their opening match against Croatia.

    Here, Oscar offers his thoughts on Brazil's World Cup campaign so far, discusses life in the Premier League, and reveals how he relaxes away from football.

    You are very young, but do your generation ever think about the 1950 World Cup final which Brazil lost at home to Uruguay?

    Obviously it was well before my time, and before my parents’ time, but we are all aware of it. It shaped Brazilian football and felt like a tragedy at the time.

    But it was also a catalyst for improvement and we have won five World Cups since. It’s a good story and I understand that if we reach the final in the summer there will be lots of mentions of 1950.

    The current squad won’t be thinking about it. You can never undo the pain of that match but we can bring joy by doing something beautiful in 2014. That is our aim.

    Non-Brazilian fans are often amazed by the passion and belief of your supporters. How much impact do your followers have?

    Inside the stadium, before the matches and during the national anthem, our fans give us so much energy and motivation. You can see it their eyes and hear it in the way they sing, it means everything.

    The fans are very expressive and when you do something well they let you know. The other side of that is that they also let you know if they are disappointed or feel you have let them down. They are very much part of the team and squad.

    Some people thought you’d take time to settle in the Premier League, but you adapted instantly and have become one of Chelsea’s most influential players. Were you surprised how quickly you settled?

    I was always sure of my abilities and attitude. You have to be if you want to make it as a top level player. There have been some difficult moments in the Premier League, but the truth is hard-work, preparation and eating and living properly give you an excellent chance to adapt and thrive in new environments.

    Skill and technique are useful and I try to develop that side every day, but they are nothing without hard work. That goes double at a World Cup. 

    Which of the remaining European sides do you think will do well at the World Cup?

    I have been very impressed with Germany in the last few years. They have so many young but established players and a new generation coming through. Anyone who has watched Bayern Munich will know how powerful and complete Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos are in midfield.

    And in goal there is Manuel Neuer who is a brick wall, but an extremely agile one with good feet!

    What are you looking forward to most off the pitch in Brazil?

    There are the obvious things like seeing my family and friends, although obviously we won’t be there on holiday, but relaxation and doing some pleasurable things in your spare time can be key to succeeding at tournaments.

    You can’t think about football all day every day, I don’t think that is my style. Being back in my home country is always a boost. You can relax very quickly when you are back among your own language again.

    It’s always nice to watch ‘your own’ TV and listen to ‘your own’ radio and read the papers and magazines that you can’t always get hold of in Europe.

    I am also looking forward to authentic Brazilian food. It’s what I grew up with and am used to. For me it is the best. The food Chelsea prepare for us at training is very nice and healthy, but nothing beats Brazilian food if you ask me!

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