Brazil midfielder Hernanes believes that their 3-0 win over Japan in the Confederations Cup opener will get the Brazilian people behind the team.
The Lazio man admits that their main objective is to become serious contenders for the World Cup crown next year, and feels that they will be truly tested at the tournament.
"The Confederations Cup is important because, above all, next year there is the World Cup that is our major objective," he told Goal.
"This is a true test of our abilities physically, but also a chance to give the fans hope and show them they have a great team that can win the World Cup next year.
"It was a near-perfect first game, especially for the Brazilian people. The team worked with great energy for the fans.
"It was truly a great game because we came out of it without taking any risks and I think that now the fans will believe in us, and they can help us in other games as they helped us in this one.
"Japan was a big game as I've said, because of the fans. I believe now that Mexico and Italy will be two very difficult matches, and we must be very careful, taking with us the things we did well today. Above all, we must play our football."
