Firmino misses out as Brazil name star-studded World Cup squad

Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has been left out of Tite's final 26-man squad for Qatar 2022 in favour of 21-year-old Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.

Brazil vs Ghana, friendly  match

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 23: Players of Brazil in action during the friendly match between Brazil and Ghana at Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, France on September 23, 2022. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Source: Anadolu / Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Nearly half of Brazil's 26-man squad on the plane to Qatar are Premier League players, with Tite selecting five of his six midfielders and 12 players overall from the league.

Manchester United trio Antony, Casemiro and Fred all made the plane to Qatar, as did Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Fabinho.
But there was one missing name from the Merseyside club on the squad sheet, with Roberto Firmino, who has scored 17 times in 55 appearances for Brazil, left out of the final 26-man cut.

The 31-year-old was not included in Tite's plans for Qatar, with Arsenal attacking duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus preferred.

Meanwhile, 39-year-old defender Dani Alves has been selected, becoming Brazil's oldest ever player at the World Cup finals.

The selection of the former Barcelona man came with some criticism from fans, which was quickly shut down by Tite as he took to social media.

"I didn't come here to please people on Twitter, which I don't even know what percentage of the Brazilian people represents," the coach said.

"I respect differing opinions and I'm not here to convince everyone. I just want to give information so that people democratically form their own opinion.

"Now, everyone has their opinion and everyone has my respect."
Juventus defensive trio Alex Sandro, Danilo and Bremer also made the final cut, alongside captain Thiago Silva and star forwards Raphinha, Vincius Junior and Neymar.


Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras).

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).

Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

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2 min read
Published 8 November 2022 9:32am
Updated 8 November 2022 9:49am
By SBS Sport
Source: SBS


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