The growing weight of expectation on Brazil's players, some of whom have been reduced to tears, has prompted coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to call in the team psychologist for an "urgent" extra session.
The sight of several players appearing to crack under the strain has led to a backlash from former stars, who have demanded the squad pull themselves together.
The World Cup hosts will carry the hopes of more than 200 million people when they face Colombia in the quarterfinal in Fortaleza tonight.
Brazil nearly crashed out to Chile before going through on penalties, with striker Neymar, goalkeeper Júlio César, defender David Luiz and captain Thiago Silva all crying.
The raw emotions of players have caused concern over whether they are psychologically equipped to deliver a home World Cup triumph.
Neymar cried during the national anthem at the tournament-opener against Croatia .
"They cry during the national anthem, they cry at the end of extra-time, they cry before and after the penalties," said technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Parreira, the World Cup captain in 1970, said the team should save their tears until after they have won the final in Rio on July 13.
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