PEREIRA: MIND THE GAP WITH OUR TROPHIES!
ANDREAS PEREIRA has teased England by claiming the only “gap” with Brazil is the length of time since the Three Lions last lifted a major trophy.
The Selecao arrive at Wembley this weekend ranked No.5 in the world after going out in the quarter-finals in Qatar – and losing their last three World Cup qualifiers to sit sixth in the South American group.
New head coach Dorival Junior, appointed in January, will embark on a “new beginning”.
By contrast, Gareth Southgate’s England are ranked No.3 and among the favourites to win Euro 2024 – and a first title since 1966.
But, asked about how to “close the gap” with the hosts, Fulham midfielder Pereira (left) could not resist referring to Brazil winning five World Cups and the Copa America in 2019, as well the last two Olympic gold medals.
“About Brazil and England, we don’t necessarily feel that there is a big, big gap,” he said. “The last time Brazil won a tournament was fewer years ago than when England won a tournament.
“We could say there is a gap. But Brazil will always have big, big players and a big team. England have a lot of players the Brazilian fans like, the flair players – Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
“We know it is going to be a tough game, but we are Brazil. We always want to win everything.”
Dorival Junior, 61, was made boss with the mission of building a new side for this year’s Copa America and the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro, Alisson Becker, Ederson and Marquinhos are all injured, while Pereira, who played for Dorival at Flamengo, has been recalled for the first time since 2018.
“It is very exciting to be here,” he said. “For me to come back after six years is massive, a dream come true.” Pereira got confirmation of his great form on Sunday as he bumped into Gary Lineker and his family in an Italian restaurant on the Fulham Road.
“When I saw him, I went to his table to say hello to him because I know he is a big legend in football,” said the Brazilian.
“He just told me to keep going, that I was having a good season and I was a good footballer. That is a big compliment coming from such a big player like that.”