FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao hopes his side take inspiration from Olympics win

Kolkata: Brazil U-17 World Cup goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao on Friday said his side would take inspiration form his country’s gold medal winning feat in Rio Olympics rather than thinking about the 1-7 thrashing by Germany in the 2014 World Cup. Brazil and Germany will lock horns in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinal in Kolkata on 22 October to resume their great rivalry in different levels of global showpiece events. [caption id=“attachment_4153221” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Brazil celebrate during their game against Niger. Getty[/caption] The South American football powerhouse suffered a humiliating 1-7 thrashing at home in the semifinals match of 2014 World Cup that was played without Neymar. However, Neymar led Brazil to a penalty shootout win against Germany for their historic gold medal in the men’s football final in last year’s Rio Olympics. “If we have to think of past, we prefer to think about the Olympic final where we won the gold medal. But let me say the 7-1 World Cup defeat or the Olympics win is all in the past. It’s all history. We are now focused on Germany and know it will be a good game,” Brazao said. “Everybody expects a great game when you talk about Brazil against Germany.” Brazao, who has only conceded one goal from four matches, said he gives his all while donning Brazil jersey and it would be no different on October 22. “I may play for 90 minutes or 100 but the time I spend on the pitch I hope to play like it’s the match of my life,” he said. About his side conceding just one goal, he said: “Our defensive systems start with our forwards, that’s why the opponent teams are not having too many shots at our goal. But I’m working hard as far as far as goalkeeping is concerned. “My focus now is in this World Cup. Whatever happens after this will be a consequence of what I did here. But if something happens I will talk to my club and see,” he said when asked if he’s interested in joining any European club. Braving downpour, the Brazilians had a full practice session at the Salt Lake Stadium. 12 players including three from their starting line-up against Honduras — Brazao, Weverson and Rodrigo Guth — were seen in action. “Germany have high level technique, watched their videos of their group stage as well as their match against Colombia. It will be a difficult game for us,” Brazao said. He insisted on enjoying his game. “You have to enjoy playing football with responsibility. We think of opposition with respect. But without happiness on the pitch football is nothing. So it’s all about enjoying the match.” He urged for support from the football-loving Kolkata people on October 22. “We felt like home in Kochi, it was a great support there. But now we are here asking for support from Kolkata fans.