Ganso makes quarter-final promise

Ganso has promised Brazil fans the team will defeat Ecuador in style on Wednesday to secure passage to the Copa America quarter-finals.

Mano Menezes’ side have stumbled through the first two matches in Group B, drawing 0-0 with Venezuela and 2-2 with Paraguay.

They needed a last-minute equaliser from Fred to salvage a point against Paraguay in Cordoba on Saturday, with Menezes already coming under pressure from the demanding Brazilian media.

Brazil are second in Group B with two points, trailing Venezuela on four. Paraguay are just goal difference away, while Ecuador can still hold out hope of progressing if they upset Brazil in Cordoba.

But despite the team’s struggles in Argentina so far, Santos midfielder Ganso is confident Brazil will not only reach the last eight but will do so playing the football expected of the tournament’s defending champions and five-time winners.

“I am sure that on Wednesday we will improve our football to claim a great victory,” Ganso said.

“We will look to present our football with a lot of joy, which is what the Brazilian people like.”

“The national team have great players, and will pull off a great display on Wednesday. I hope we can play the kind of football the Brazilian people like.”