The name of Gabriel Jesus was put on the agenda and, in a flash, the mood of Brazil head coach Tite changed. He thanked the reporter for her question and grasped the chance to speak.
In the days that have followed a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon, one which has had Brazilians beginning to fret about their potential to rule the world, a story emerged in South America that Tite had played the Arsenal striker at the Lusail Stadium on Friday aware that he had a knee issue.
Jesus was one of nine changes but the damage he sustained during the match was so significant there are now fears he could be out for as long as three months.