Barcelona midfielder Arthur set to make first Brazil start as Tite rings changes

Sport360 staff 11:45 11/09/2018
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  • Coach Tite will change more than half of the Brazil starting line-up ahead of their second post-World Cup friendly against El Salvador.

    The Selecao were dumped out of the tournament in Russia at the quarter-final stage by Belgium, but secured a convincing 2-0 win against the USA last week with another much-changed squad.

    For the Tuesday night game (04:30 Wednesday UAE) at FedEx Field in Washington, Tite again looks to be fine-tuning his team before Copa America next year, saying it is important to give younger players an opportunity to build on their confidence.

    The coach also suggested he would be preserve the fitness of some of the team, with captain Neymar only playing in part of the game.

    Tite told a press conference: “Neymar must participate in only one part of the game. I have some important situations to manage: first, play well and win, either against El Salvador or France.

    “The second is the moment for opportunities for younger players to work for them to have confidence.

    “The third, is that when I was a club coach, I always expected the players to come back in good condition.”

    Alisson, Fabinho, Thiago Silva, Filipe Luis, Fred and Firmino are being replaced by Neto, Eder Militao, Dede, Alex Sandro, Arthur and Richarlison.

    Goalkeeper Neto, who alongside right-back Militao is making his debut, said he was proud to be be given the opportunity to start for his national side.

    Quoted on the team’s website, he said: “It is a great pride, an immeasurable pleasure. The coach called me after yesterday’s training and told me I would have the opportunity. I am in a moment where I feel really prepared for this chance.”

    El Salvador – who have only competed in two World Cups – are reported to be without one of their top scorer, Rodolfo Zelaya.

    Coach Carlos de los Cobos told Brazilian newspaper Lance: “I have to give the opportunity to other players. Zelaya is good technically and I know his skills. He can contribute later.”

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