FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: Paulinho says Brazil wants to replicate predecessors' success in tournament

Kolkata: Motivated by the messages they received from stars back home, Brazil’s versatile footballer Paulinho on Saturday said that it’s time to replicate what their predecessors have done in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. In the absence of Nigeria who failed to qualify, the South American champions are the most successful team in this edition. They face another heavyweights Germany in a quarterfinal on Sunday. [caption id=“attachment_4163497” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Brazil’s Paulinho. Getty Images[/caption] “We are working with this goal to be the champions. We are working since 2015, for two and half years working hard, preparing for this moment. It’s really important for us,” the Brazilian No 7, who has scored two goals and made two assists so far, said. Brazil’s campaign has got a big boost with video messages coming from Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Ederson Moraes among others. “It’s just positive thing for us to receive messages. They have been in such situations, played here. Some have won and some could not. “Now it’s our turn to become champions. We are a team with great potential. It’s really good to hear from that what they had experienced. We are really happy to realise the seniors are watching and supporting us too.” One of the key players who has played in all the three positions, Paulinho said they’re currently focused on Germany and not looking too far ahead. “We know each match has its different history. We have to go step by step. We cannot think of the final at the quarterfinal stage. Now our focus is on next game. But goal is to be the champions.” With Brazil having a huge fan following in Kolkata, a 60,000-plus turnout is expected to cheer for the ‘Boys in Yellow’. “We see this as a positive thing for us as crowd will be supporting Brazil. We receive this energy in a positive way. We expect to give it back with a great game.” Asked whether he’s interested in playing in European leagues, he said: “There’s an opportunity for every talented players in this competition. It’s not a pressure for us as our mind is in our game. We look this more as an opportunity. What future holds for us will be a consequence of how we performance as a group here. “This shows what kind of opportunity we have here. We are now only thinking about game right now, focused in our game.” A fan of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulinho said: “He’s always looking to get better, practice and develop his quality. He’s really hard working.