Romario Says Brazil Must Not Fear Pressure

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 13 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Legendary striker Romario said Brazil's players should embrace pressure rather than fear it as the five-time champion seeks to end a 24-year wait for a World Cup title.

Brazil faces Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday in one of the most anticipated opening-round matches of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Carlo Ancelotti's side will also meet Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

"Everyone feels pressure but some people manage to use it in a positive way, while others get intimidated and hide," Romario told Brazilian newspaper O Globo, reported Xinhua.

"That's when the great player steps up, when the special player has to take on that responsibility."

Romario drew parallels with Brazil's 1994 triumph, when he scored five goals and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

"Deep down, it depends on each person," he said. "Personally, I handle pressure really well. Big games motivate me, and the pressure and responsibility of making the difference give me a huge thrill.

"Just like today, in 1994 we had also gone 24 years without winning a World Cup. I knew that would be my World Cup, and that we had a team fully capable of bringing home the fourth title."

Romario scored 55 goals in 71 appearances for Brazil and sits fourth on the country's list of all-time top scorers.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA