Brazil’s coach Tite has announced the team for the World Cup in Qatar. He revealed the names of 26 footballers in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Nine forwards on the team. However, Philippe Coutinho was left out due to injury. 39-year-old defender Dani Alves was called to the final team!
The interest in the football world was high on what team the coach of Brazil announced to win the World Cup for the sixth time. He put an end to all speculations around 10 pm IST on Monday. He has made it clear that he wants to be the best in the world by using attacking football as a weapon, keeping nine forwards in the team. Neymar da Silva Santos Jr is joined by Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Pedro, Rafinha, Rodrigo, Anthony dos Santos and Vinicius Jr. There is no place for Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino. But many are surprised by Dani Alves being in the final squad. Dalma Santos was the oldest footballer to be called up to Brazil’s World Cup team. In 1966, he was called up for the England World Cup at the age of 37. Dani Alves, 39, overtook Dalma on Monday.
Thiago Silva has set a precedent. He will play in four consecutive World Cups. Pele, Nilton Santos, Castilho, Dalma Santos, Emerson Leyo, Cafu, and Ronaldo Nazario have played four World Cups for Brazil. The name of 38-year-old Thiago was added to that list this time. However, Lothar Mathews, Rafael Marquez and Antonio Carbajal have the most World Cup appearances (five) so far.
Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho were also supposed to be in Brazil’s World Cup squad. But Coutinho’s dream was shattered due to injury. Firmino was left out. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery did not include Coutinho in the English Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday. Many thought that the Brazilian star was dropped due to lack of rhythm. But Emery revealed after the 3-1 win over Man Utd that Coutinho had injured his thigh muscle in training. He will be out for at least nine to 10 weeks. This is why he was not included in the team against Man U. Can Coutinho play in the World Cup? “Coutinho’s injury is serious,” said a disappointed Emery. I don’t know how long he will have to be out of the field.” The Aston Villa manager’s fears came true. Tite did not put Coutinho in the 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup.
Brazil’s first match in Qatar World Cup is against Serbia on November 24. In the second match on November 28, Neymar’s opponent is Switzerland. Brazil will play against Cameroon in the last match of the group stage on December 2.
Brazil Football Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson Baker, Elson Santana, Waverton Pereira.
Defenders: Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Emilio, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva.
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabianho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta.
Forwards: Neymar da Silva Santos Jr., Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Pedro, Rafinha, Rodrigo, Anthony dos Santos and Vinicius Jr.