Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace set to start for Brazil in World Cup opener against Serbia – report
Brazil will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign later tonight when they face off against Serbia in a Group G encounter. And, according to Mario Cortegana of MARCA, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is in line to start for the Selecao against the Serbian outfit.
Brazil have a loaded attacking department that boasts of players like Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Antony, Raphinha, Pedro, and Gabriel Martinelli apart from the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes.
So, naturally, manager Tite has a vital decision to make with regard to his attacking lineup for the game against Serbia tonight. And, as per the report, Vinicius is in line to get the nod from the kickoff versus the European nation.
The report indicates that Brazil will line up in a 4-4-2 formation on the night, which will see Vinicius get deployed on the left flank while Barcelona’s Raphinha will likely take up the right wing. Neymar and Richarlison are in line to get the nod as the two strikers.
Vinicius has been in fine form over the past year and has started the 2022/23 campaign on an impressive note. In 21 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid, the 22-year-old forward has 15 goal contributions (10 goals, 5 assists).
Recently, Brazil icon and former Barcelona defender Dani Alves praised Vinicius as well as Rodrygo, claiming that the Real Madrid duo is destined for greatness.
Vinicius has made 16 appearances for the Brazilian national team so far in his career and has managed to score just one goal.
The 22-year-old will be hoping to boost that tally in the coming weeks and help the Selecao go all the way at the World Cup, starting with the game against Serbia tonight.
Rodrygo and Eder Militao, meanwhile, will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian national team are ‘dreaming’ of appointing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
The Selecao decided to part ways with Tite after the team underdelivered in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ramon Menezes has taken charge of the senior team for the time being until a permanent appointment is made.
And, the Brazil Football Confederation is clear about who their preferred target is. Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the South American nation in recent months and comments from players like Ederson, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr have only served to further fuel the rumours.
Now, Romano is claiming that Brazil dream of naming Ancelotti as their manager and are hoping that he will be parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of the season.
As far as the situation at the club is concerned, Romano states that Real Madrid are working hard to protect Ancelotti from external pressure as they want him to remain focused on winning the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Italian tactician remains in 100% control of the team at the moment and the club are trying to shield him from external factors.
However, at the same time, trophies are a must at a club of this stature and hence, Romano adds that Real Madrid have a potential list of candidates to take over.
Thomas Tuchel was among the names on the list, but has signed for Bayern Munich. Raul Gonzalez, currently in charge of the Castilla team, is also being looked at along with former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
As of now, Ancelotti remains in control of things at Real Madrid and any decision on his future will only be made at the end of the season. And, Brazil are lying in wait to pounce if an opportunity to sign the Italian manager presents itself.
