Brazil boss Tite criticizes dance: ‘Respect Brazilian culture’

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8:25 AM ET

Rob DawsonCorrespondent

DOHA, Qatar — Brazil coach Tite has hit back at criticism of his side’s dancing goal celebrations in the 4-1 win over South Korea in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane was among the pundits to call the dancing “disrespectful” as Brazil comfortably booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they face Croatia on Friday.

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But Tite said his players would continue to do so before launching suggestions that the celebrations showed a lack of respect for South Korea.

“I won’t comment to those who don’t know Brazilian history and culture like all of us, I leave that noise aside,” Tite told a press conference on Thursday.

“I respect the culture, the way I am and the way this national team is. A lot of other kids will dance because it’s Brazilian culture when a goal is scored.

“It’s not being disrespectful, it’s [us] and how we do things…as a culture and [it] will contribute to the education of children in school. We will continue to do things our way.”

Cameras captured Tite joining his team’s celebrations in the win over South Korea, with the 61-year-old following Richarlison’s ‘pigeon dance’ on the touchline.

Tite joined his players’ dancing celebrations during Brazil’s victory over South Korea. Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The clip went viral in Brazil but Tite insisted he had good reason to dance with his players.

“I think it’s a connection I have with a younger generation,” Tite added. “I’m 61 and I work with players who are 21, 22. They could be my grandchildren. If I have to dance to connect with them, I’ll keep dancing.”

Brazil take on Croatia in the quarter-finals at Education City on Friday with a place in the last four against Argentina or the Netherlands on the line.

Croatian captain Luka Modric will face Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior and the midfielder has revealed he will give advice on how to stop the winger.

“We have a difficult task to stop him but I will give some advice to my teammates,” Modric said.

“If I can help them give advice here or there to make his job more difficult, I will. I will give them advice. We are fighting here for our countries and that’s it.”

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