SMASH ’N GABS
Thiago backs Gunners pair to provide spark
THIAGO SILVA reckons the gift of the Gab can help fire five-time winners Brazil to fresh World Cup glory.
Brazil’s last World Cup win came 20 years ago, but Chelsea defender Silva believes the nation’s Arsenal connection can help them end that long wait.
Silva has identified Gunners duo Gabriel Jesus (inset) and Gabriel Martinelli as two players who can play a key role in Brazil’s quest to rule the world again.
“You can see the connection they’ve had this season with Arsenal – it’s a big reason why they’re top of the Premier League,” said Silva. “Jesus, we’ve known about his quality for a long time, but Martinelli is really showing what he’s about.
“He’s playing without fear and, if he gets the chance to play, I don’t think it will faze him.
“I think all attacking players at the top level need that little bit of arrogance – that they know they can do something special.”
One player under familiar scrutiny is Brazil forward Neymar, who will lead his country’s attack against a backdrop of huge personal expectation.
Neymar, whose previous two World Cups have ended in frustration and failure, claimed this could be his last appearance, with Silva insisting the 30-year-old can handle the pressure. “If it is his last World Cup, then we have to do everything to win for him,” said Silva. “Every player who represents Brazil at the World Cup has pressure on them but for Neymar that pressure has always been different. “He has always handled that well though – look at what he’s done on the pitch. He’s a special player.” Brazil’s status as tournament favourites has been strengthened following Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. And Brazil open their Group G campaign against Serbia tonight in the same Lusail Iconic Stadium where the Saudis won.
But Silva played down talk of Brazil coach Tite’s side being the ones to beat, admitting they will come unstuck if they look too far ahead. Silva said: “At this level, the smallest lapse in concentration can cost you.”
BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemerio, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison.
SERBIA (3-4-1-2): V Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S MilinkovicSavic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic.