Brazil president encourages team after 0-0 draw

Brasilia, June 19 (IANS) Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff encouraged the national football team Wednesday, a day after its disappointing 0-0 tie with Mexico.

"To win sometimes you have to go through a 0-0," Rousseff said of the surprising outcome of the game between the hosts of the 2014 World Cup and Mexico, as part of the group phase competitions, reports Xinhua.

In a quick exchange with reporters at the presidential palace, Rousseff said she was confident that Brazil will bounce back to beat Cameroon Monday at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in the capital here, and qualify for the round of 16.

"I'm sure we are going to win. Sometimes we have to experience some trouble," the president said.

Rousseff attended the second half of the Mexico-Brazil match, accompanied by Brazilian Air Force (FAB) cadets.

She will not, however, be attending Monday's match, travelling instead to Macapa, in northern Amapa state, where she is set to deliver housing to low-income families.

Prior to the start of the World Cup, Rousseff sent a letter of encouragement to the national team, affirming that the world knows Brazil's footballers are the best, and that they have a "disconcerting ability for improvisation" on the field.

Brazil currently lead Group A, with four points from two games, followed by Mexico, on goal difference.