Press conference begins with an introduction of Diniz's team and an explanation of the criteria for building the list. Criteria: Technical quality, history, projection towards next World Cup Diniz's first national team selection is: Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ederson Full-backs: Danilo, Vanderson, Caio Henrique, Renan Lodi Defenders: Gabriel, Ibanez, Marquinhos, Nino Mids: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joelinton, Veiga Forwards: Antony, Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vini Jr.
Paquetá's absence is confirmed to be a last minute removal due to the betting investigation going on. If I had to bet (... ironic) I'd guess Matheus Cunha was added in his place. EDIT: Someone asked who replaced Paquetá but he wouldn't say.
Pretty good list.... But a little too old for my taste.... Especially defender and midfield in regards for 2026 WC almost all will be around 30 years old then. (Andre beeing exception)
U23 list: Goalkeepers: Gabriel Grando Matheus Cunha Mycael Full-backs Arthur Vinicius Tobias Abner Wellington Defenders Vitão Halter Robert Renan Morato Mids João Gomes Marlon Gomes Maurício Andrey Danilo Forwards Lázaro Marcos Leonardo Vitor Roque João Pedro Igor Paixão Paulinho Curiously 5 athletes here are too old for the Olympics. But they're eligible for the Pan-American games. The 5 "U24" are: Gabriel Grando, Vitão, Abner, Paulinho, Igor Paixão
The Paqueta story is nuts. Apparently stems from a game back in March where several accounts linked to people he knows placed an eerily correct bet about him and another player receiving yellow cards.
Looks like Luiz Henrique was also dropped from the U23 list due to the same issue (he's not under investigation by the English FA, but he is part of the bet in question according to Globo's reporting). There may be another name added to the U23 list later today to make up for his absence.
Now news breaking that Antony's ex will be submitting a police report in England over abuse allegations.
I am wondering about that as well. The accusations were already out there. But this popping up again may affect his call up. The criticism is already out there ... "You exclude a player accused of gambling but not one for domestic abuse".
Bitello (Grêmio) has been announced as the 23rd name for the U23 squad, following Luiz Henrique's removal: https://ge.globo.com/rs/futebol/not...enezes-para-selecao-brasileira-olimpica.ghtml Bitello is also 23 and not eligible for the Olympics, but can play the Pan American games.
Controversy over Neymar's inclusion in the call up. JJ said he is confused why he was called up when he is currently injured and isn't in condition to even train. CBF was aware of his injury and included him in the list after talking to Neymar and his staff.
Joelinton left the Newcastle match with an injury, no update yet on if it will keep him out or if he'll be back quickly. Caio Henrique played today, which means last week's injury substitution at 90 minutes wasn't too serious. Also had an assist and an overall good match by the look of it. As for Neymar, usually CBF have a good relationship with clubs and this isn't an issue. I imagine that, with the impending transfer, it made sense to be in touch with the player's staff, rather than Al-Hilal or PSG. Also, I don't doubt Jorge Jesus would exaggerate something like that. Neymar may not have a confirmed date to play his first Al-Hilal match, but he played 90 minutes in the last pre-season match for PSG and there weren't reports of a new injury. In other weekend highlights for national team players, Juventus started Alex Sandro, Bremer and Danilo as their back 3 today and won 3x0. Danilo, as usual, the highest rated of those three (and the only one going to the national team right now). The Gabriels play tomorrow for Arsenal. Richarlison had another frustrating game individually for Tottenham, but his team looked good, while Casemiro, Antony and United started better, but eventually were dominated. Ederson and Alisson had good matches, though Alisson had one screw up when playing out from the back that earned him a yellow card. Bento plays tomorrow. Marquinhos started for PSG and had a decent game, but the team failed to win once again, under Luis Enrique. Ibanez scored for Ah-Ahli. For those who don't know, the Saudi League has 4 clubs that got an injection of money from the government to buy big name players. These 4 will probably be expected to dominate the league. André had a stand out match for Flu yesterday. He and Nino both started and will probably start against Olimpia, Thursday in the Libertadores. Veiga scored for Palmeiras and had a strong performance. Vini scored a golaço for Real Madrid, really beautiful touch. They were already winning, behind 2 Bellingham goals, but it's worth watching Vini's shot. Rodrygo didn't score but was good as well. Matheus Cunha had a good individual rating for his match, but his side got crushed this week.
Details for the October matches have been confirmed: https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/fute...liminatorias-confira-quando-o-brasil-joga.htm Brazil announced they will face Venezuela in the Arena Pantanal. The article above is about CONMEBOL confirming the date and time. First match (vs. Venezuela) will be on Thursday, October 12 at 20h30. Second match, at Uruguay, will be on Tuesday, October 17 at 21h. Usually the convocação is the Friday 3 weeks before the first match, which would be September 22, but during this period it was sometimes shortened to just 2 weeks before, which would be September 29.
The news I heard is that Neymar's recovery will take a month. If so, calling him up is just weird to me.
Today I'm seeing speculation that Neymar will play at the next home match. TLDR for me is don't trust anything JJ says. Vinicius Jr. picked up an injury today that is likely to keep him out of the September matches. Pulled hamstring.
Vini has a bruised thigh, which is not as bad as the potential hamstring injury, I think, but still doutbful for the qualifiers: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...de-defender-a-selecao-nas-eliminatorias.ghtml Joelinton played today but again left with some pain bothering him. Doesn't look like he'll be out next week, but definitely something to be monitored.
Vini will be out for 6 weeks. Neymar is back in training and I read that he will make his debut in the next match. So it looks like you were right @Ombak . Just not sure the reasoning behind JJ's game.
Raphinha called up to replace Vini Jr.: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...de-vinicius-junior-raphinha-e-convocado.ghtml Richarlison scored today, in a Cup match. Still not looking in sync with the team or in form and needs to hold the ball up better, but it would be nice for him to score on the weekend and come in with some confidence as he is likely to start. One week of matches left - continental matches this week, league matches this weekend - and then the team officially meets in Rio on Monday, September 4, for matches on the 8th and 12th.
Bento is injured and Lucas Perri has been called up in his place: https://ge.globo.com/pr/futebol/tim...athletico-e-deve-ser-cortado-da-selecao.ghtml
I am not sure Brasil should he calling 2 players that play in the modest Saudi league. (Ibanez + Neymar) I guess the experiment with Gleison Bremer is over.