Brazil coach Rogerio Micale has explained that a change of tactics at half-time led to his side’s 4-2 victory over Nigeria in a Group E New Zealand 2015 U-20 World Cup clash on Monday.

Micale said at the post-match press conference that his team offered the Flying Eagles of Nigeria too much space in the first half, particularly through the midfield.

NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 01: Gabriel Jesus #10 of Brazil celebrates after he scores the first goal of the game during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group E match between Nigeria and Brazil held at Stadium Taranaki on June 1, 2015 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. (Photo by FIFA

“We had expected to face a really good side in Nigeria and we weren’t mistaken on that front,” he told the FIFA website. “We started very well, but then the opposition gradually got on top and prevented us from playing our game.

We shored things up in the middle of the park again in the second half and then looked to exploit the wings, which paid dividends.

“We will keep playing like this [high defensive line] and hopefully we will improve in the other matches because the guys will be more used to each other.”

Brazil face Hugary in their next game on Thursday.