Crying during Brazil national anthem a 'sign of weakness,' says Rivaldo
Although Rivaldo might think simulating an injury is acceptable at the World Cup, the Brazil legend isn't a fan of his compatriots showing emotion during the national anthem.
The World Cup winner has called on Brazil players to toughen up and avoid showing any signs of "weakness" as they get set to begin their journey in Russia on Sunday.
Following the country's devastating 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014, players, such as Neymar and Julio Cesar, were criticised for showing too much emotion during the national anthems when Brazil hosted the World Cup.
Ahead of Brazil's opening match against Switzerland, Rivaldo suggests that players should shift their attention away from the pressures back home from the football-crazed nation.
"You have to have personality to win the World Cup," Rivaldo told ESPN FC. "It's not the same as playing for your club; everything is harder. They're all excellent players, but they can't be scared or worry about pressure from the fans. They need to forget that 200 million people are in Brazil are watching.
"You have to be calm and play with joy; none of that crying during the national anthem. Feel the emotion, let it give you that fire inside, but no tears. I'm against that. That's a sign of weakness, and it doesn't help. You have to feel the desire in your heart, and play with blood in your eyes.
"Because it's really great winning the World Cup. You have no idea about the joy that you feel, or the joy that you give to Brazilians and to your family. I'm the kind of guy who would walk onto the pitch thinking about my mum, how I was going to make her proud. I gave it everything out there, so I hope the players can do the same this year."
Rivaldo won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, but attracted plenty of criticism for feigning an injury that resulted in a second player getting sent off for Turkey in the semi-final encounter. Rivaldo was fined by FIFA after Turkish player Hakan Ünsal kicked the ball at Rivaldo's thigh while he waited to take a corner, the Brazilian then fell to the ground clutching his face.