Brazil taking part in the Copa América at dwelling with a seven-match profitable streak will often be the favorites to win, however that is no unusual yr and no unusual Copa.
Brazil’s order of type is spectacular – they’re the one crew in South America to have received six of their 2022 World Cup qualifiers and have carried out so by protecting a clear sheet in 5 of them – but it surely comes amid off-field turmoil.
Players took the weird step of publicly criticizing the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) on Wednesday, barely per week after Brazil hosted the event instead of Argentina, which pulled out after a surge in COVID-19 instances .
The gamers stated their protest was not political and explicitly sought to keep away from the left-right polarization that has engulfed the nation lately and led to mass protests.
A giant query dealing with Brazil as they go into the Copa, which is because of face Venezuela in Group B on Sunday, can be whether or not the present controversy will deliver them collectively or tear them aside.
Brazil are the holders, who received the 2019 event when it was additionally performed in entrance of their very own followers.
They had been with out the injured Neymar, however his team-mates stepped in – beating Paraguay on penalties within the quarter-finals, defeating Argentina 2–0 within the semi-finals, defeating Peru 3–1 within the ultimate.
As at all times, they’ve an abundance of expertise to select from, with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and striker Gabriel Jesus plus Liverpool duo Fabinho and Roberto Firmino struggling to discover a place within the beginning XI.
Coach Tite has skillfully managed conceitedness and technique and can be assured of securing Brazil’s tenth Copa America title. They additionally face Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in Group B.
In reality, although, this event is all about making ready your aspect for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil has not received a World Cup since 2002, and the 20-year hole between trophies is a very long time for the five-time winners.
The worry is that irrespective of how properly they carry out in opposition to their neighbors, it could not put together them for the remainder of the world.
“Brazil played as it did,” columnist Tostao wrote after final week’s World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador. “Enough to beat their South American rivals, but there are still concerns about when they will face the best European teams.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
