Copa America: Marquinhos urges focus

Copa America Marquinhos

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Marquinhos says Brazil need to avoid any complacency when they face Haiti in their second Copa America outing on Thursday.

The Selecao, who are 7.00 to win the centenary edition of the tournament outright, began their campaign with a tame goalless draw against Ecuador, a result that led to further pressure being put on boss Dunga, who has again been widely criticised for his side’s lack of attacking intent.

Thursday’s game at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium will give them a chance to redeem themselves and they will be confident of securing a positive result ahead of their final Group B outing against Peru at the weekend.

Brazil are currently the overwhelming 1.17 favourites to win in Florida, with the draw 7.00 and the Caribbean country priced at 19.00 to cause a shock.

Complacency could well be an issue against the Haitians but Marquinhos is keen to ensure this is not the case.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender has urged his troops to focus on the task in front of them and says they cannot take anything for granted against the unheralded Le Rouge et Bleu.

“We need to have our feet on the ground [versus Haiti],” Marquinhos told reporters.

“We need to respect our opponent and know that nothing is given to us just because we are the Selecao.

“We need to perform and we need to earn all the points we get.

“There are no such things as an easy game in the Copa America.

We are focused on getting a positive result versus a Haiti team that played very well versus Peru.”

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