Antony can prepare for his first World Cup with Brazil. The former Ajax player is part of the World Cup selection of national coach Tite. The 61-year-old elector has also made a place for Dani Alves. The 39-year-old right back of UNAM Pumas stands for his third participation in a World Cup.
Antony made his debut for Ajax last year, when he was still under contract with Ajax the Yellow Canaries. The wing attacker came in fifteen minutes before the end during the World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. Antony then became a permanent fixture in the selection of national coach Tite, so his election should not come as a surprise. The top signing of Manchester United reacted ecstatically when he was told he was part of the World Cup squad.
Alves continued his career with the Mexican Pumas UNAM last summer. His big wish was to play at the World Cup in Qatar. The 125-time international of Brazil previously played at the 2010 and 2014 World Cup, due to a knee injury he had to miss the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A major absentee from Tite’s selection is Roberto Firmino. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) and Pedro (Flamengo) are favored in the point of attack.
Coutinho is another name missing from Brazil’s roster. The Aston Villa midfielder suffered an upper leg injury during training and is reportedly sidelined for about six weeks. This calendar year, Brazil has played eight international matches in all competitions so far. Coutinho played in five of them. The five-time world champion is divided into a group with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon at the World Cup.
Antony’s reaction to being called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad ???????pic.twitter.com/F2gaYoHYh1
— utdreport (@utdreport) Nov 7, 2022
Brazil World Cup squad:
Goal: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras).
Defense: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM Pumas), Alex Telles (Seville), Danilo (Juventus), Gleison Bremer (Juventus), Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea).
Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Fred (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United).
Attack: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).