Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 6:55 PM• Jonathan van Haaster • Last update: 18:58

Brazil coach Tite said at a press conference that he has no understanding of the criticism his team received for performing exuberant dances. A Selecao performed such dances on Monday during the eighth final match with South Korea (4-1) after scoring a goal. The five-time world champion was accused of provoking with the dances afterwards.

However, Tite dismisses that criticism, stating that the dancing “has nothing to do with the lack of respect for the opponent.” “I’m sorry for those people who don’t know the history and culture of Brazil and therefore also the way we express ourselves. I respect the culture, who I am and what this national team is like. A lot of kids will dance, because it’s Brazilian culture when a goal is scored.” Tite also participated in those dances after Richarlison’s 3-0. “Those players could be my grandchildren,” he said. “I have a bond with them and if I have to dance with them to keep that bond, I will.”

“It’s not disrespectful, this is how we do things in our culture and that will further help the education of school children,” Tite continued. “We will continue with our way of doing things.” The 61-year-old choice lord received severe criticism from Roy Keane after the game with South Korea. The former top footballer called the dancing of the Brazilians ‘disrespectful’. “It’s 4-0 and they did this every time,” the Irishman added ITV dancing after the goals. “I think it’s fine with the first goal, but they do it again and again. Even the national coach participated.” Tite, however, declined to comment on Keane’s reaction.

“This is not my team, it’s for the people,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to comment on those who don’t know our history. I respect the culture. We’ll keep doing things our way. I’ll stop making that noise.” Brazil quickly distanced itself from South Korea on Monday by goals from Vinícius Júnior and Neymar (penalty). Richarlison and Lucas Paquetá made it 4-0 before the break, after which Seung-ho Paik saved the honor for the Koreans in the second half. On Friday afternoon (4 p.m. Dutch time), Tite’s men will take on Croatia in the quarterfinals.