Brazil coach Tite uses phone app to ready team for World Cup qualifiers

From matchmaking to online shopping, it seems there is little that a mobile phone app cannot do.

But few would have thought it possible to use one to coach an international football team. Until now.

New Brazil coach Tite has done just that to prepare his players for their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Thursday.

The 55-year-old replaced Dunga as Brazil coach in June after the team's group-stage elimination from the centenary edition of the Copa America.

However he met most of the players for the first time this week, leaving him with little time to make them familiar with his football philosophy.

Instead of waiting until the first team meeting on Monday, Tite has sent his squad detailed tactical videos in recent weeks via the messaging service WhatsApp.

"Those videos were essential," defensive midfielder Casemiro said. "They are videos that he [Tite] sent us to explain how we will play, how it will work. It means that we were able to start preparing before we even arrived," the Real Madrid player added.

Juventus right-back Dani Alves praised Tite's innovative approach to the team's preparations.

"He has already told us what he wants from us a group," Alves said. "That has helped to bring us together and ensure that we are all going in the same direction."

Brazil's clash with Ecuador in Quito on Thursday will be followed by another qualifier against Colombia in Manaus five days later.

Ecuador are currently second in the South American zone qualifying standings for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with 13 points, four points ahead of sixth-placed Brazil. Colombia are fifth with 10 points.

The top four teams will book a direct berth in the tournament while the fifth-ranked side will earn a playoff spot. Endit