Brazilian football star Bruno Guimaraes emphasized on Monday the importance of showing respect towards his team as they strive to secure a historic sixth World Cup victory. The Selecao claimed their fifth title in 2002 but have faced quarter-final exits in four of the past five tournaments.
As they gear up for the upcoming World Cup in North America, Brazil, currently ranked sixth globally, may not feature the standout superstar names of the past but boasts talented players like Vini and Raphinha who represent top clubs. Guimaraes, the Newcastle United midfielder, stressed the need to acknowledge and honor the abilities of their squad members during a media interaction at their training base in New Jersey.
Under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil, finishing fifth in the South American qualifiers, kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium near New York City this Saturday. The team concluded their preparations with convincing victories in friendlies, triumphing 6-2 against Panama in Rio de Janeiro and securing a 2-1 win over Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio.
Expressing confidence in the team’s form, Guimaraes, who scored in the Egypt match, reflected positively on their recent performances. With a focus on starting the tournament on a winning note, he acknowledged the transient nature of expectations once the World Cup commences.
In Group C, Brazil is set to face Haiti and Scotland while awaiting updates on Neymar’s availability for the group stage matches. The veteran forward, currently playing for Santos in Brazil, has been dealing with a calf injury, prompting uncertainties about his participation. Ancelotti’s decision to include Neymar in the squad has raised questions, especially after the player’s absence from the national team since 2023.
Facing setbacks with Wesley’s injury ruling him out of the competition, Brazil has called up Ederson, a 26-year-old midfielder from Atalanta expected to join Manchester United post-World Cup. Guimaraes highlighted the significance of the World Cup experience for players and expressed hopes for Wesley’s swift recovery.