Brazil coach Tite does not want the penalty Gabriel Jesus missed to take the shine off the performance of the Manchester City star.
Jesus, 22, has worked his way back into the national team after struggling to respond to criticism he suffered for his performances in the 2018 World Cup. Roberto Firmino is also pushing for a place in the team and scored during the 5-0 win over Peru on Saturday that booked Brazil a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
City's new No.9 appeared to have regained his confidence after linking back up with the national team and has impressed his manager, but missed the chance to grab his first goal in the tournament when he saw a spotkick saved late on.
Tite spoke after the game of his pride in the player's performance despite the missed opportunity.
“I was sad that Gabriel Jesus did not score because he played a lot. He has to be very proud of the way he played," he said . "I was twisting individually for him. The goal was not going to be decisive in evaluating his great performance today.”
Jesus scored three penalties for his club last season, netting two in the 6-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before beating Rui Patricio during the 3-0 victory over Wolves in January.
However, he was left frustrated at Anfield in October when Pep Guardiola instead picked Riyad Mahrez to take a late penalty against Liverpool, with regular taker Sergio Aguero off the pitch.
