Brazil sovereign in World Cup qualification
In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the Copa America in Brazil, the five-time soccer world champion won against Ecuador in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. The Selecao won 2-0 (0-0) in Porto Alegre on Friday and celebrated their fifth win in their fifth game. The goals were scored by striker Richarlison in the 65th minute and superstar Neymar, who converted a late penalty (94th).
Brazil, four points ahead of Argentina, will face Paraguay in Asuncion on Tuesday. After the game, the national players, who have not spoken publicly since the Copa America was moved to the Corona hotspot Brazil, and coach Tite want to express themselves specifically.
“Everyone knows our position. It couldn't be any clearer,” said captain Casemiro after the game against Ecuador. “We don't want to lose focus because this (World Cup qualification) is the World Cup for us. But we want to give our opinion.”
The short-term postponement after the end of Colombia and Argentina as hosts, which the players learned about from the media and social networks according to the newspaper “Folha de S. Paulo”, sparked a debate in the Selecao about participation in the Copa – and on and provided a rarely shown unit next to the square. “When someone speaks, all the players speak, with Tite, with the coaching staff. It has to be unanimous, everyone together,” said Casemiro.
There had also been rumors that the President of the Brazilian Football Association, Rogerio Caboclo, would have to leave his post not only because of the move to Brazil but also because of his administration. It is also speculated that after the game against Paraguay, Tite could step down in view of the hardened fronts between the players and coaching staff on the one hand and the association's executive committee on the other. However, Tite did not give any indication of his future for the time being. “I do my job normally. I'm at peace with myself,” he said simply.
