Rio de Janeiro July 21 (IANS) Goalkeeper Ederson has leapt to the defence of his Brazil and Manchester City teammate Gabriel Jesus after the striker s disappointing performances at the FIFA World Cup.

Jesus failed to score in Russia despite starting in each of Brazil s five matches as the team s designated center-forward reports Xinhua news agency.

Ederson who was a member of the Selecao s World Cup squad but had not played said Jesus has been unfairly criticised following the team s quarterfinal exit.

"I think that what he needs to do now is rest and try to forget about what happened " Ederson said. "He is young but also has experience in the national team.

"He was unlucky and a goal was the only thing missing because his work rate was very good and his positioning too. Just because he didn t score everybody is taking aim at him. If Brazil had won the World Cup nobody would be criticizing him."

Ederson said his Brazil teammates were "inconsolable" after their 2-1 loss to Belgium in the last eight of football s biggest tournament.

"There were no words that could have comforted the players but we have to try to keep our heads up " the 24-year-old said.

--IANS ajb/