Without Gabriel Jesus but with a Neymar in great shape, Brazil begins its preparation for the World Cup

In less than two months, the 2022 World Cup will begin in Qatar. It has therefore been exactly 20 years since Brazil won the ultimate trophy, an eternity on the scale of this team so accustomed to success. If the Seleção remains on a disappointing competition in Russia, with an elimination in the quarter-finals against the Red Devils and a deleterious offensive game, the players of Tite are among the favorites. Brazil has indeed lost only one of its last fifteen matches, and remained undefeated in the qualifiers. All this thanks to a host of stars in its workforce.

As often, the main names are in attack. Neymar, of course, is the leader of this team. While his preparation for the 2018 World Cup had been truncated by injuries, and he was, according to observers, missing out on his competition, he is walking on water today with PSG. An Olympic form that has not gone unnoticed by his coach, who has congratulated the player, his club and his entourage for Neymar’s level since the start of the season.

At his side, Brazil will be able to count on many offensive weapons that have been a hit for several weeks. Vinicius Jr., scorer in the Champions League final, shines in the Madrid jersey and should logically make his first appearance in the biggest international competition. Many other strikers, such as Richarlison (Tottenham), Raphinha (Barcelona), Antony (Manchester United), Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Matheus Cunha (Atlético Madrid), stand out at club level. The places for Qatar are expensive, and this match against Ghana should give us the first lessons on a potential list for the World Cup.

A rich man’s problem for Tite

However, a major absentee should be noted: Gabriel Jesus. Sparkling since his arrival at Arsenal, the center forward was not called up by Tite for this rally. A disappointment for the former Citizen, but he accepts, as he told ESPN Brazil: “I respect the coach’s decision a lot, I respect Tite, all the coaching staff. As I said, I am Brazilian, I will always support the national team, I also respect the other players, who have many qualities. I will continue to work and give the best of myself to have a new opportunity.”. Places in attack are expensive in Brazil, and Gabriel Jesus will have to continue these good performances in club to see Qatar.

If the offensive weapons, as often with the Seleção, make you dream, the defense and the midfield are not left out. In goal, Tite has the choice between two of the best goalkeepers in the world, Ederson (Manchester City) and Alisson (Liverpool). Thiago Silva (Chelsea), 38, still seems dominant in central defense, and his duo with Marquinhos, who shines at PSG, is enough to scare all opposing attacks. In the middle, Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool) or Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) are high quality players, capable of recovering balls and creating opportunities for their attackers. Tite has a workforce with very few flaws, experience and youth.

The two matches against Ghana in Le Havre and Tunisia at the Parc des Princes will allow the coach to get a clearer idea of ​​the players he wants to take to Qatar in the conquest of their sixth star. It had been a long time since the Seleção had seemed so equipped to win the supreme title, with quality and fit players in all positions.