The hierarchy in the Seleçao for the World Cup is perfectly defined: Raphinha is the undisputed starter on the far right
Antony is the natural substitute for the blaugrana in the ‘verdeamarela’, while Rodrygo points to the substitute for Vinicius Jr.
Yes, Raphinha is better than Antony and Rodrygo, no matter how much it weighs on some. This is the unshakable postulate of Tite, the Brazilian coach, less than two months before the start of the World Cup in Qatar. The winger from Gaucho, who has started the season so well dressed as a Blaugrana, reaffirms himself as the absolute starter at the right end of the Canarinho attack.
In the Brazilian gale against Ghana (3-0), this last Friday, Raphinha, with her excellent performance, confirmed her status as ‘sacred cow’ in the Seleçao. The friendly also served for Richarlison to run as the ‘9’ who will start the World Cup.
Antony, who came on in the second half substituting Vinicius Jr.played on the left side for a few minutes. However, the now Manchester United winger has Raphinha’s luxury reserve role.
And Rodrygo, who has been a starter in the last Real Madrid games, although he plays little with the five-time champion, it seems that he also has a place reserved on the final list for Qatar. The former Santos player has the full confidence of Tite, who appreciates his offensive contribution capacity with very few minutes in play. In principle, he will be the reserve of his teammate, Vinicius Jr.
Raphinha, the Blaugrana is the starting right winger of the Brazilian team
| Lucas Figueiredo/CBF
Brazil has defined what will be its offensive quartet: Neymar Jr. performs the function of the classic South American ’10’, with freedom of movement to associate with whomever he wishes. Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. will be the two wingers, and the ‘9’ will be Richarlison, who is winning a particular race against Gabriel Jesus, Firmino and Pedro (Flamengo).
In Qatar, everything indicates that Tite will bet on United’s double pivot, Casemiro and Fred, so Lucas Paquetá could end up being the big sacrifice. The West Ham midfielder could find his place in the Brazilian 11 by taking Fred’s place in ultra-defensive opponents.
Brazil returns to the scene this Tuesday (at 20:30 CEST) at the Parc des Princes, in Paris, playing a friendly against Tunisia, with which he will close his mini tour of French lands.
