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PSG winger Lucas hits out at Brazil's 'lost' national team

Xinhua, April 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian winger Lucas has criticized the lack of tactical preparation and collective spirit in Brazil's national team under current coach Dunga.

Lucas has not played for the Selecao since 2013 despite his impressive form over the past two seasons for French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

In an interview published by Brazil's Globo newspaper on Sunday, the 23-year-old said Brazil has been left behind by tactically superior rivals.

"Brazil needs to think collectively. That's the most important thing, not the individual. We have to improve urgently," the former Sao Paulo prodigy said.

"Football has evolved a lot. Brazil has a lot of quality. We see how compact and well-organized other teams are. Brazil at times look lost and haven't found their best way of playing. But with the quality the players have, it's not possible to play good football again."

Brazil are currently sixth in the South American zone qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with just nine points from six matches.

The first four teams at the end of the two-year qualifying campaign will earn an automatic World Cup berth while the fifth-ranked team will advance to the playoffs. Endi