BARRANQUILLA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Brazil manager Tite said Saturday that he hopes a review of the international football calendar will pave the way for South American teams to play more often against their European rivals.
The five-time World Cup winners have not faced a European opponent since a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in March 2019. In the meantime, South American teams have met each other in two Copa America tournaments in addition to World Cup qualifiers.
"We are looking for a better solution in terms of the calendar and opportunities for games against Europeans," Tite told a news conference here on the eve of Brazil's 2022 World Cup qualifier against Colombia.
"All South American teams have their level of difficulty. Most of Venezuela's players, for example, play abroad. But the possibility of playing against [other teams] can be improved. It's important to test yourself against Spain, Italy and England."
The comments come as world football governing body FIFA considers a plan to stage the World Cup every two years.
Tite stopped short of fully supporting the idea, which has been opposed by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and its European counterpart UEFA.
"I don't have a solution but we need to be creative to find a way [to play more regularly against European teams]," he said. "It could be holding the World Cup every two or three years, maybe. It's not for me to stay but [the calendar] needs to be improved."
Tite said Brazil would seek to play as many friendlies as possible against European opponents before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It is likely there will be opportunities for up to six matches during international windows next June and September.
"I've asked [Brazil team coordinator] Juninho to set up friendly matches with any European teams. It's important and it's what the national team needs." Enditem
