Brazil ready to atone for 2014, Silva says
MARCELO, CASEMIRO JOIN SQUAD AT TRAINING CAMP
Thiago Silva has vowed that Brazil will be physically and mentally prepared when the Fifa World Cup starts in Russia on June 14.
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender said a desire to atone for the team’s humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat at home to Germany in the 2014 World Cup serves as an extra incentive, reports Xinhua.
“I think (coach) Tite and his backroom staff have prepared the squad well,” Silva told a press conference here, where the Brazil squad is training ahead of football’s flagship tournament. “I think we are ready to perform well. If we look back at that (the 2014 loss to Germany), it only gives us more motivation to go to the World Cup and win it,” he added.
Silva, who will be playing in his third World Cup, is not guaranteed of a starting berth in Russia. The 33-year-old will be vying for a place in Tite’s preferred line-up with his PSG teammate Marquinhos and Internazionale’s Miranda.
“Both are great players. Miranda has shown that throughout his career and Marquinhos has started very well. The competition for places is healthy and lifts the level of concentration,” he said.
Options in defence
Brazil’s options in central defence also include Geromel, a key member of the Gremio side that won last year’s Copa Libertadores, South America’s top club competition.
The five-time world champions will begin their campaign in Russia against Switzerland on June 17 before facing Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.
“We have a chance to play another World Cup and rewrite our story,” Silva said.
“We cannot promise the title, but we can promise great matches. By the time the World Cup comes around you will see us playing great football.”
Real Madrid teammates Marcelo and Casemiro have also arrived at Tottenham’s training centre to complete Brazil’s 23men squad.
The left back and midfielder missed the first week of training in Teresopolis, outside Rio de Janeiro, and the first two days of practice in London because they were helping Madrid win the Champions League.
With the late additions, Brazil coach Tite has his complete squad for the first time. Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino arrived Monday.
Brazil, which will face Croatia on Sunday at Anfield, will stay in London for training until June 8. The team will then travel to Vienna to play its last pre-World Cup friendly against Austria.
I think we are ready to perform well. If we look back at that (the 2014 loss to Germany), it only gives us more motivation to go to the World Cup and win it.” Thiago Silva » Brazil player