Tite Bemoans State Of Arena Do Gremio Pitch

By Joshua Walters

Brazil national team coach Tite expressed his discontent over the state of Arena do Gremio pitch after his side beat Paraguay to book a place in the Copa America semi-finals on Thursday.

As the host of the tournament, Brazil were held to a goalless draw in the quarter-final in Porto Alegre but managed to sail through 4-3 on penalties.

The qualification earned by Brazil will set up a meeting with either Argentina or Venezuela.

And Tite believes the state of the pitch was not pleasant for such a prestigious tournament as he described it as 'absurd'.

Referee Roberto Tobar Vargas did not hesitate to issue the marching off orders to Paraguay defender Fabian Balbuena who denied Liverpool’s striker Roberto Firmino from a goalscoring opportunity. 

After Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute, Brazil failed to capitalise from it as the Selecao squandered numerous chances.

“It is absurd, at a high level, to have a field so difficult to play," he told a news conference.

"The guy has to give three touches to play. It's absurd."

Alisson Becker, who was the hero for Braziil saved Gustavo Gomez’s effort in the shootout before Gabriel Jesus sent Brazil to the next stage of the competition with the winning penalty.

If Argentina defeat Venezuela on Friday, they will meet Brazil in the semi-final with Tite stressing the La Albiceleste are the toughest side to beat in the tournament.

"Very large individual technical quality. As a challenge for all teams, they have to adapt when they have the best in the world," he said.

"Messi is unquestionable." 

It will be the first time since 2007 should Brazil win the tournament.