Tite shuffles lineup for Cup qualifiers
Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho was a surprise inclusion in a revamped Brazil lineup for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia next month, new coach Tite said on Monday.
Paulinho, who left Spurs for China’s Guangzhou Evergrande last year, won the Copa Libertadores with Corinthians when Tite was in charge but has not played for Brazil since the 2014 World Cup.
Weverton, the uncapped goal keeper whose penalty save helped Brazil win its first Olympic gold medal against Germany last Saturday, was also included, along with six other Olympians.
Tite on Monday named five uncapped players to his first 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia in September.
With several Europe-based players deemed not fit enough, the coach has turned to youth with Gabriel Jesus, Taison, Rafael Carioca, Fagner, and Weverton the players selected who are yet to play senior international soccer.
Manchester City offseason signing Jesus, who is currently back on loan at former club Palmeiras, and Weverton, who made a crucial save in the penalty shootout victory over Germany last week, are two of seven Rio gold medalists on the squad.
Barcelona forward Neymar, who scored the winning spotkick as Brazil’s youngsters banished the shame of a 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup, has been informed by Barca coach Luis Enrique that he can remain in Brazil until after the two qualifiers.
Former captain Thiago Silva, who has not played for his country since the 2015 Copa America, is expected to be recalled by Tite, but missed out on this occasion with a thigh injury.
The 55-year-old coach sprung a surprise by selecting Paulinho, whom he worked with at Corinthians before the midfielder left for English outfit Tottenham Hotspur.
Five-time world champion Brazil is struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and currently sits in sixth place in the South American standings after six matches.
The match against Ecuador will be played in Quito on Sept 1, while the game against Colombia takes place five days later in Manaus.