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Ramires: Brazil are no cry-babies

Ramires said he has seen more experienced players than Brazil's crying on the pitch © Getty Images

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Ramires has insisted Brazil are no "cry-babies" ahead of their quarter-final clash with Colombia on Friday.

The hosts came in for criticism from home fans for showing too much emotion in their tense last-16 victory over Chile on Saturday, but the midfielder has claimed it was normal behavior after securing a penalty shoot-out win.

Captain Thiago Silva was seen fighting back tears in the tunnel before kick-off in Belo Horizonte, while Neymar nearly cried during the national anthem and the whole team showed an outburst of emotion after winning on penalties.

"Everybody's talking about the psychological status of our players but I've seen more experienced players crying on the field," Ramires said. "This is just normal in a match decided by pens.

"We had conversations before the World Cup, we're prepared for what comes our way. What we went through in the game against Chile will be extra motivation for us.

"If we have another penalty shootout we'll be even better prepared. We had over 200 million watching the game and supporting us. The team are prepared emotionally for what comes our way."

Brazil will take on a Colombia side spearheaded by the rampant James Rodriguez in Fortaleza on Friday. Rodriguez is the tournament's top-scorer with five so far.

"Against Colombia, everything is important," Ramires said. "We have to be well prepared psychologically, technically.

"We have good tactics, good technique and psychological status is good. We are prepared.

"If you play the World Cup in your own country you have to be well prepared. We are. Everybody is confident. Nobody is worried."

Manager Luis Felipe Scolari meanwhile, says there will be "no more Mr Nice Guy" when Brazil meet Colombia.

The Brazil coach is fed up with his players treating opponents politely and has called on them to emulate him in his playing days - when he had a reputation for kicking the opposition all over the pitch.

"I can't stand all this politeness any more," Scolari said in the aftermath of Brazil's victory over Chile.

"We're being too nice, too cordial with our opponents. We can't be laid back every day. It's time for a change - I can't hold it in any more.

"It's time we defended a little differently, to go back to my style, which is more aggressive."

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