Neymar chases Pele’s record
The giants of the Brazil World Cup want the sixth star
08/11/2022 07:17
Brazil is one of the big favorites at the World Cup in Qatar. Superstar Neymar’s PSG selection is going completely offensive in the tournament that kicks off in twelve days. National team coach Tite calls up nine forwards and accepts the role of favorite with thanks.
Led by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, the Brazilian national team will go to the World Cup in Qatar. National team coach Tite presented the five-time title holder with 26 players in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
With nine forwards, including young strikers like Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, there is hope for an offensive Seleção. “We prefer important players from midfield to attack, but there is nothing like a balanced team,” Tite said of his squad. “To win at a high level you have to create opportunities and score goals”.
A big surprise was the appointment of 39-year-old veteran Dani Alves from UNAM Pumas in Mexico City. Alves left Barcelona in June 2022 and has made 12 appearances for his new club since then. Former Bayern pro Philippe Coutinho of Aston Villa was ruled out as expected following Sunday’s injury.
Neymar chases Pele’s record
Former Hoffenheim Bundesliga pro Roberto Firmino of Liverpool FC is also absent. Despite a good season so far for Klopp’s Reds with six goals in 12 games, he was beaten by Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. Also present was Richarlison of Tottenham, who shouted the joy of him at his nomination to the world.
But all the attacking stars will have to line up behind Neymar. The PSG forward, who once again brings the hopes of an entire country, has so far scored 75 goals in 121 international caps. In Qatar he could recover the Seleção’s scorer record, the legendary Pele. He still has two goals left.
The record-breaking world champion Brazil will meet Cameroon, Switzerland and Serbia in the preliminary round G at the World Cup in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December. Switzerland and Serbia were also in the group of Brazil in Russia 2018 when they lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals. Brazil is also one of the big favorites for the title in Qatar. A role that Tite gladly accepts. He said: “Three or four teams are always at the highest level. Everyone assumes that Brazil are among the favorites. I see it that way too. We belong to them.”
On November 14, Tite will meet his players at the Juventus training ground before leaving for Doha five days later. 61-year-old Tite is facing his last tournament as a national team manager. He has already announced his resignation.
