The Selecao beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on Friday, and the Man City forward felt sharp in his first international game since a poor tournament in Russia
Gabriel Jesus is optimistic about his future in Brazil's national team after he scored in his first international appearance since enduring a difficult World Cup.
Brazil faced Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Friday and ran out 2-0 winners, with Jesus scoring the opening goal and generally catching the eye, linking particularly well with Neymar.
The Manchester City forward was the subject of significant criticism in Russia, as he failed to score a single goal before Brazil's quarter-final elimination at the hands of Belgium.
Some, including former Brazil coach Mano Menezes, put Jesus' struggles down to Neymar's performances, while others suggested Roberto Firmino fitted into Tite's system better.
Jesus accepts it was hardly the tournament he had dreamt of, but he is hopeful about his prospects with Brazil.
"Of course I was very [upset]," Jesus told Sportv when asked about his emotions after the World Cup.
"I went from the tournament and stayed at my mother's house, I stayed at home with my family.
"Of course, it was not the Cup of my dreams, I hoped to have done more. Unfortunately, we did not win it, but I hope things will work again from now on. I was happy to play and score."
Alex Sandro scored Brazil's second goal late on, heading in a Neymar corner after Saudi Arabia had goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais sent off five minutes from the end for handling a Richarlison shot outside the area.
Although the Juventus defender saluted Brazil's work ethic, he does not doubt that they can do better.
"We are aware that we have to improve, but everyone has given everything, we are all to be congratulated," Alex Sandro said.
"The climate influences things. Everyone played together and that's always the best way."
Doccdilmpr
0
Brazil vs argentina nixt match
Messigoodbye
0
Tite is not a proper coach for Brasil! He started flop Jesus instead of Firmino, flop Willian instead of Costa and flop Paulinho instead of Fred, and did not rake Fabinho and Moura! Brazil needs a coach with a common sense and some courage to make proper decisions!
blankie
1
Congrats Gabriel Jesus😎👏👏
CityMan
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But at least Giroud provided and created spaces. Jesus, you couldn't tell if he was playing or not.
Yeah that’s fair, I’m just saying, you can’t blame it on one player. Maybe Firmino would’ve been the same. You couldn’t tell he played against City last weekend it could’ve been just the same with him starting.
ficcdkorsu
1
Feel bad for Jesus. Not his fault that the coach started him over Firmino and Brazil was not good. That’s not Gabriel’s fault. Remember that WC when France won it with a striker that couldn’t score a goal??? It’s a team game guys.
But at least Giroud provided and created spaces. Jesus, you couldn't tell if he was playing or not.
CityMan
3
Feel bad for Jesus. Not his fault that the coach started him over Firmino and Brazil was not good. That’s not Gabriel’s fault. Remember that WC when France won it with a striker that couldn’t score a goal??? It’s a team game guys.
CityMan
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Do Liverpool fans dislike Jesus? Ehh, I think the disliking goes more towards Tite for selecting Jesus ahead of Firmino in all of Brazil’s important WC games, when most would agree Firmino had the better season. And now Jesus receives second-hand hate to prove how wrong Tite is for starting him.
Yeah even honest City fans agree Firmino should’ve started due to experience. But it’s funny people blaming Jesus when France won the World Cup with a striker that had ZERO goals. The team was bad not Jesus.
Mocca
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The performance of the world cup is really bad, otherwise the Brazil team will not be eliminated.
Sueadam
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It is important for football players to maintain an optimistic attitude.
MacBook
2
I'm sure Jesus was confident against Tottenham last season.
Mkuchu
1
Jesus can't score goal,easy saying it when it's been missed
Edgarderek
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Oh no my feelings Lmao exactly my thoughts. Jesus starting over bobby is what lost them the World Cup jesus... There was certainly much more to it than that
leadership
1
Lmao exactly my thoughts. Jesus starting over bobby is what lost them the World Cup jesus... There was certainly much more to it than that
haoshib
1
Gabriel Jesus the butcher of Saudi Arabia Too bad still the Brazil number 9 who scored ZERO in World Cup and nobody will ever forget that bum Yeah no goals in the world cup is a shame but did you hear that he scored in that friendly against Saudi Arabia?
Stephnine
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Do Liverpool fans dislike Jesus? Ehh, I think the disliking goes more towards Tite for selecting Jesus ahead of Firmino in all of Brazil’s important WC games, when most would agree Firmino had the better season. And now Jesus receives second-hand hate to prove how wrong Tite is for starting him.
ourselves
0
Ehh, I think the disliking goes more towards Tite for selecting Jesus ahead of Firmino in all of Brazil’s important WC games, when most would agree Firmino had the better season. And now Jesus receives second-hand hate to prove how wrong Tite is for starting him.
Sabyasachi23
1
He was good night, hope he overcome... Richa and Firmino knocking hard.