Brazil He will always be a World Cup candidate, no matter how he gets there. This time, moreover, he arrives in harmony with the protagonists of the best teams in Europe and with a coach who knows how to handle the egos of a locker room full of stars, none as brilliant and special as neymarthe crack that seeks the final crown.
And Brazil is a candidate for history and also because they almost always play well. The Tite-led cast went on to win the South American qualifier undefeated from start to finish and broke the points record held by Argentina at the hand of Marcelo Bielsa: 45 against 43; won 14 and drew 3; he scored 40 goals and conceded 5. He also allowed himself the luxury of “giving away” a match because the duel with Argentina is still pending, suspended by decision of the Brazilian health inspectors.
It will be the 22nd World Cup for Brazil. But it’s not only the one he played the most: he’s also the one who won it the most times: 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). In any case, in the latest editions the to scratch failed to make it past the quarterfinals. The first of the objectives is to play 7 games.
Tite has players that most managers envy. Alisson, the Liverpool goalkeeper, is the starter and Ederson, the Manchester City substitute. The central scorers are the historic Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, while the first relief is the nascent Eder Militao, defender with heavy minutes at Real Madrid. The paradox: Brazil is weak on the wings. Danilo and Alex Sandro introduce themselves as starters.
The owner of the vehicle is Casemiro and its gradients may vary. In the race they fight Fred, Lucas Paquetá, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho and Bruno Guimarães.
The attack is scary. Neymar will be the commander, the banner. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha the most current. Antony, Richarlison, Rodrygo and Matheus Cunha the latest appearances. Gabriel Jesús and Roberto Firmino the most experienced.
The Technician: Tite, the creature’s father
Common sense and simplicity are perhaps the best words to describe Adenor Leonardo Bacchimostly known as Tite. “The best way to contribute is to apply those words that have guided my life and my career: transparency, democratization, excellence and modernity”he confessed the afternoon he took office Canarinhain mid-2016. And things didn’t go badly for him.
Tite led the national team in 76 games, winning 57 and losing only 5. The most sensational crash will certainly be the 2021 Copa América final against Argentina at the Maracana. The other duels lost were against Belgium at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, in two friendlies against Argentina and the rest with Peru.
Tite will be doing the touch-ups for the next World Cup. If in Russia he thought of a mostly defensive idea, in Qatar he will try to be offensive. The coach understands that his best values are the attack and will focus on a light and youthful team, with forwards arriving in great form.
“I have a feeling that the arrival of these young players will do Neymar good on and off the pitch. The other day Neymar looked at me and said: ‘Coach, these guys come with everyone. It’s crazy. What a headache he’ll have trying to bring them all into the field.'”Tite told Reuters in an interview.
The fact: Neymar, for the glory of Pelé and Ronaldo
Just as in Argentina it is said that Lionel Messi is missing a World Cup, in Brazil they think the same with Neymar. To lift the trophy ney will be able to sit at the table with Pelé and Ronaldo. “I think it will be my last World Cup. I face it as the last one, because I don’t know if I will have the mental strength to face football. So I will do everything to get there well, to win with my country, to make my biggest dream come true since I was a kid and I hope I can make it happen.”confessed the 30-year-old Brazilian.
ney He started the season very well at Paris Saint Germain, scoring goals and providing assists. He also seems lighter physically. It was said: he is preparing as never before. The one in Qatar will be his third World Cup, after losing the final part of Brazil 2014 to Colombian Juan Camilo Zúñiga’s football and Belgium eliminated in Russia 2018. In the national team, Neymar has scored 74 goals in 118 games and is 3 shouts from ‘equal Pele in summit.
What will Neymar play in Qatar? The intention is that you play in the centre, behind the forward. “Neymar has evolved towards a more creative, striker, builder and finisher role, but a little further back. Bow and arrow, creator and finisher”Tito explained. And I add: “Football is fast and relentless nowadays and we will face many opponents who will close behind with a five-man defensive front. Neymar has often received a brace. Now, if you do that, you will open up space for other players who can be just as decisive and important for our team, we are in a good moment.”
The team: Dani Alves and the great debate in Brazil
The presence of the 39-year-old right-back in the list of 26 players was the big surprise at Tite’s press conference, in which he announced the list of players who will accompany him to Qatar.
“No one is guaranteed for the Cup. What we are looking for is the history of the athlete, the moment and the history within the national team. In the two games preceding these friendlies, Dani played and did very well. Of course, we have At the moment, the physical conditions are decisive, but the history of the athlete and the history in the national team are important”Tite clarified a few weeks ago.
Alves’ presence at the World Cup will be the finishing touch to his dream career. It should be remembered that he is the footballer who has won the most titles in history, with 42, two more than Lionel Messi.
The right-back’s season at Pumas de México was not a good one and he finished the season with a sore right knee. For this reason, once eliminated from the local tournament, he decided to go to Barcelona to train at the culé team’s facilities. “Always grateful to this house for opening the doors to me for whatever it takes. The great, if challenged, will never back down. They will fight and fight until the last second of their existence”he posted on his social networks. And it will be in Qatar.
Source: Clarin
