Well, only three days left. What do you think about the squad? What are your thoughts? Here are my thoughts: For goalkeepers, I’m hoping we get Alisson, Ederson and Bento. Those are our three best keepers right now. Centre-backs will probably be Gabi, Marquinhos, Bremer and Léo Pereira. Right-backs: Wesley, Danilo? Maybe Paulo Henrique as well. On the left: Douglas and Alex. Midfield: Casemiro, André, Fabinho, Paquetá, and I really hope Joelinton gets a call-up too. We need physically strong, high-stamina players, especially against the French. Their midfield is really powerful. This match will be a proper test before the World Cup, and they’ll almost certainly field their strongest XI too (maybe without Mbappé). The attack is the most interesting and still unclear part. I’d love to see Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius, Raphinha, Endrick, João Pedro, Igor Thiago, Estêvão, Matheus Cunha… Ryan and Luis Henrique play more on the right in attack, but we have more talented options for that position like Endrick and Estêvão. It’s possible that instead of Neymar they’ll call up one of Ryan or Luis Henrique. But honestly, I’d seriously consider Vitor Roque. He really appeals to me. In terms of style and build, he reminds me a bit of a young Agüero.
You made a solid case for Joelinton, but my understanding is that he hasn't impressed and isn't likely to be called back. That said, if he does make the squad, I would see him as only really an option for the situation you describe. I'm going to lay out what I think is the base squad (for March) and the injury doubts, and then list how many spots I think we really have. I'll probably wait until Sunday to make predictions on who takes those spots.
So, for the Monday convocação, I think this is the scenario: Injury status Confirmed out of the World Cup: Rodrygo Probably out of the World Cup: Vanderson Out for March, back before World Cup: Militão, Caio Henrique, Bruno Guimarães Doubtful for March: Alisson, Éderson (Atalanta) Estêvão I am assuming anyone who was at least on the bench for their most recent match is available for call-up. Base squad for March: Goalkeepers (3) Bento, Éderson, Hugo Souza (no spots open) If Alisson is available, drop one of Bento or Éderson, probably. I don't think there are other players under consideration for this position, unless we have two out injured. Laterais (4/5) (9 total on defense) Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos, Wesley (1 open) Since they are considering only one right-back (with Militão as second) for the World Cup, what is the plan for March? Speculation is that there will be tests, but no real indication of who. (We know Paulo Henrique was observed last night, and we know Kaiki and Vitinho are on the preliminary list, but it's not clear who might get this last chance). Zagueiros (4/5) (9 total on defense) Danilo, Gabriel, Marquinhos (1 or 2 open) They want to test another left footed defender, but Leo Pereira is not in great form. Does he still get the call-up to be tested? Alexsandro is finally available again, but has not been playing much and was not in great form when he did. Does he get the chance to cement his spot or has he lost it? Bremer is likely to be called in. If so, let's hope he stays healthy for the World Cup, but there will be fitness concerns if the defense has so many recent injuries and an old left-back in Alex Sandro. Meias (5) Andrey Santos, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá (2 open) We haven't heard much about Fabinho since he got the unexpected call-up. Is he in or out? Is the Gabriel Sara speculation just that or inside info? Will we actually see two "new" names? Or just one? Atacantes (9) Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vini Jr. (4 open) Is Estêvão out? If so, we have up to 4 spots here for players who don't yet have a guaranteed spot. If he's in, then Luiz Henrique and other right-wingers are fighting for one spot at most. Endrick and Igor Thiago seem to be certain call-ups. Is the Rayan hype just that or inside info? Any center forwards besides Igor Thiago? General questions Will any of the Brazilian league mids that people are hopeful for make the list? (Breno Bidon, Martinelli)? My bet is that unless they have previous experience (Andreas, Danilo) they don't have a chance. Are there any wild cards or surprises out there that could make the list, like a Malcom from Saudi League? There are up to 9 open spots, which is a lot, all things considered. How many of those are new faces? We went from 2 open spots up front a week ago, to maybe 4 open for March (due to Rodrygo's injury and Estêvão maybe being out for March). I prefer not to worry about how Neymar fits in. Despite all the current talk in Brazilian media, I don't think he should make the March squad.
Ederson played today. He started on the bench and came in in the second half. He got a good rating for 40 minutes of play and Atalanta tied the match, with leaders Inter, 1x1. EDIT: Estêvão is not on the bench for Chelsea's match that just kicked off. He is listed as doubtful, so may be available for the convocação.
If I had to choose right now between Joenlinton and Sara, I’d go for the former, as he’s in perfect physical condition. But it’s also an option to call up both — for example, Sara and Joenlinton. Andrey, Case, and Paqueta will probably be included for sure, and Fabinho is in good form in Saudi Arabia right now. As for the centre‑backs, I watched the match between Porto and Stuttgart, and I was really impressed by Thiago Silva. He cleaned up everything: he won all the aerial duels, was strong on interceptions, and coped well under pressure — and this was against a very solid European opponent. I’d really like to see him selected as the fifth defender for the World Cup instead of Danilo, but that seems unlikely.
Reportedly Thiago Silva talked to Ancelotti recently. I wonder if he is counting on him in case of emergency. Alisson played today, so he should be in. Richarlison scored, so he is making a case for keeping his spot. With a possible 4 spots in attack I would not né surprised to see him, though no one will be excited about that.
Busy weekend for Brazilians scoring goals. Raphinha with a hat-trick. But it was 2 PKs and a deflected shot. having said that, Raphinha should be PK taker if he is on the field. And keep Vini away from the PK spot. Missed another one midweek with a weak effort. Casemiro and Cunha both scored today for ManU. Richarlison drew the Spurs level near the end against Liverpool. Nothing special as the ball fell to him in front of the goal. He did play 90 mins.
Alexsandro was on the bench again today. He came in to the match in the 89th minute. That said, I don't think I could pick who the backup for Gabriel will be between the options mentioned above.
Some new names on the list like Danilo, Ibañez, Gabriel Sara, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago, Bremer: Goleiros: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr) e Ederson (Fenerbahçe); Defensores: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG) e Wesley (Roma); Meio-campistas: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) e Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray); Atacantes: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid) e João Pedro (Chelsea).
I think the biggest surprises are the absence of Paquetá and the inclusion of Ibanez. The speculation on Sara, Endrick and Igor Thiago was spot on. I hope Danilo and Sara in midfield do well. They're the last ones to get a shot at that midfield that feels so undermanned. Glad Bremer made it.
The door is open for Neymar if it gets in good physical shape. There is really no point to take him to these friendlies. And actually, it would only be detrimental to Neymar himself for him to participate in these friendlies.
That’s correct according to Anceloti. So we shall see. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV9NcsxAYKI/?igsh=cXJodGlqc2RycDY3
It's certainly a call-up with several changes, but with injuries and with the intent to build a team that has a realistic chance to fight for the title, Ancelotti made some pragmatic choices. Léo Pereira has been steady in Flamengo's zaga; he contributed to the tri and tetra Flamengo earned in the Libertadores, and as I've said aplenty, defense wins championships. Gabriel Sara - former SPFC player, and he's been solid with Galatasaray, whom he helped eliminate Juventus and win the first leg against Liverpool in the Champions' League. Igor Thiago is in second place in the Premiership in terms of goals scored with 18 goals. The only player ahead of him is some cara named Erling Haaland. And at 6'3", Igor Thiago adds strength to the aerial game. Brazil has won championships with gols de cabeça and it wouldn't hurt to have a tall player up front, even though he is agile. Rayan earned his reputation at Vasco and some compare him to Raphinha. All in all, I am not going to question Ancelotti's choices. And again, if only we'd had him since January 2023!
Well, what can be said about the squad, +- we hit all the names, Ibañez is a surprise of course, but he’s in good form right now, and it is better to have him than Fabricio Bruno, with the full-backs it is just so sad, such a great national team no longer has top full-backs, to be honest all four of them are not national team level, but at the moment it seems like our best choice, even 35 year old Danilo, who sits on the bench at Fla, is called up to the squad, I think he is only there because of his versatility, the midfield is pleasing because there are new names, I was also surprised by the non-call up of Paquetá, it is a shame he left Europe, and the attack is as expected, about Neymar I will only say that he is not ready at all right now, I watched his last games for Santos, many mistakes, losses, but he is still wonderful in technique and passing, against the French and Croats he would not be able to withstand the intensity, he should get into physical shape by June, there is still time, Carlo is not going to invite anyone just because of their name, he needs the best, if we finally want to win the World Cup after 24 years.
Overall you're right, but on other hand in such competition like World Cup you also need experience and leaders. On and off the pitch. I mean players with World Cup experience, who played there, knows what it means, how to deal with the pressure as its enormous there. Looking at current squad, especially offense, there're talented guys, but quite a lot with little or none experience in World Cup. Some are quite a newbies even in national team. It's hard to tell will they deliver, won't they break under pressure. With some supposed to be leaders like Vini Jr,. you can also never know what to expect with Brazil shirt, it's just too hard to rely on him when it matters. That's why I think having Neymar is quite crucial thing. Of course he must improve his form from current one to be considered, but even if he still won't be at his best, but close to it, IMO he must be taken even as some super-sub coming into the pitch in 2nd half, moreover his presence might be very important in the lockerroom too. So I'd say not simply the best must be there, but some kind of mix between that and other factors like experience should be found
NEYMAR needs to be in the seleção PERIOD!! Any argument against it is pure ignorance. Here’s Renato Gaucho with my exact feelings and the facts. No need to say anything else. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVRAtuBDkn-/?igsh=NjF4ZW80a3hsZXc0
Ney could be used in a similar way to how Zico was deployed in 1986: coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes to produce moments of magic. After Zico's serious pre-World Cup injury, he was nowhere near fit to play a full match; yet, he was taken to the tournament simply because he was Zico, an inspiration for the team. Ditto Ney! If Brazil needs a game-changer against tired defenses, Ney would likely be better than Martinelli.
Zico didn't want to go in 86. He knew he wasn't physically ready. He had to be convinced by Tele. That's a big difference in mentality. If Neymar goes, he expects to be a starter. Neymar isn't like Romario in personality, but I don't think he would accept being a bench player either (as Romario never would in 02). Not to mention it would create big drama with his fan group who wouldn't let it go. The campaign going on right now by his friends and admirer influencers / hack journalists is frankly ridiculous. They are putting pressure on Carlo to take him regardless of physical shape. Some actor even wrote an "open letter" telling Carlo to basically think hard about what he is doing. They are absolutely pathetic and detached from the current reality. I am not saying he doesn't have a chance to go. He has 14 games to get in game shape without getting injured. It's a simple as that. It's up to him and to see if his body holds up. People just need to wait and see how he progresses instead of making demands right now. His last 2 games were REALLY bad. But Carlo left the door open even saying a player doesn't have to be 100% by the start of the WC.
Neymar is not a leader. Anytime his leadership is brought up it is pointed out that his leadership not the kind of leadership we usually mean. On the field, he takes charge of the game and leads by being the focal point. It's not an off the field leadership, and it's not what you get from a captain. When he's a captain it's symbolic. It's more about seniority and recognition than about making the best leader your captain. It's true that the other players love him and would be motivated to play with him, but his "take control of the match" kind of leadership is counterproductive with him in this state. And we still don't know what he's like on the bench. Just because the players like him doesn't mean he's a good influence on them. He whines, he thinks the world is against him (despite being as pampered as a celebrity can be) and he's moody. He can only contribute if several factors line up and I don't see it happening by the World Cup. It's a shame, because he is such a talent. If he was in shape it would be an unquestionable call-up, but it I don't see it happening anymore. I think Ancelotti's words are still more about appeasing the press and not making a definitive statement yet just to avoid the questions about Neymar dominating the press conferences as soon as he says it.
Regarding Neymar, I 100% agree with Celito and Ombak on this one. I’ve always been a massive Neymar fan, his game is pure joy to watch and I’ve desperately wanted him to win the World Cup. In Copa 2021 and WC 2022 he was genuinely excellent and gave absolutely everything — even De Paul, when asked about the best individual performance he’s seen, straight-up said it was Neymar in the 2021 Copa final. Shame he didn’t lift either trophy. Against Croatia he did literally everything he could — we were dominating that game, but for some reason we decided to park the bus in the last 10–15 minutes… painful way to go out. But right now? He doesn’t deserve a call-up at all. Huge respect to Carlo for not caving in. The media/public just want the “name” back, but Carlo is standing firm and I’m glad. Neymar’s physical condition is nowhere near what’s needed to compete against top nations. He’s not doing anything extraordinary in Brazil either. There are so many more talented and in-form players right now — some of them haven’t even been called up yet. It would be unfair to bring him back just because of who he is. He’s got two months to prove he’s still got it and get his fitness back to an acceptable level. I also agree he’s not a leader in this squad. Casemiro should be the captain and the real leader. Everyone at Manchester talks about him like the ultimate leader and they’re begging him to stay another year. Neymar is a world-class talent and we all love him, no question. But if we seriously want to win the World Cup, the national team has to consist of the absolute best and best-prepared players — no exceptions.
Alisson is out injured. Hugo Souza is in: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebo...cado-para-substituir-alisson-na-selecao.ghtml
Guess who's not playing this weekend: https://ge.globo.com/sp/santos-e-re...calacao-neymar-vira-desfalque-no-santos.ghtml