Brazil‘s record last season makes impressive reading: 10 wins and three draws, with 30 goals scored and just four conceded. It might be thought, then, that the team would be sailing in the calmest of waters in the build up to the World Cup.
But coach Tite made some waves with his last squad selection before Qatar for this month’s friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. There are some surprises — and what they actually mean is open to interpretation.
There is only one right-back in the 26-man squad, with no place for Dani Alves. Does this mean that the veteran has no chance of making the plane to Qatar? Almost certainly not. The lack of a back-up to Danilo shows that the door is still open to Alves. For these games there are a few centre-backs, most notably Eder Militao, who can move across to full-back if required.
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At his age, Alves needs to be in peak physical condition, which after his recent move to Mexico is not currently the case. He is being given time to bring himself up to the condition required.
The reserve left-back slot is also a headache. Alex Sandro is first choice. A domestic-based player, Guilherme Arana, was in pole position for the reserve slot, but this week suffered a serious injury, ruling him out of the World Cup. Alex Telles has come in with Renan Lodi left out.
There is a disappointment, too, for Philippe Coutinho, traditionally a favourite of coach Tite. He has lost out to Everton Ribeiro of Flamengo, recalled after his team’s recent run of excellent results. Does this mean that Ribeiro is now in front in the quest for a World Cup place? Or is this merely a test, a last chance for the player to show that he can bring his club form to the national team? Only time will tell.
