Three-time U-17 world champions Brazil arrived in the city yesterday ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month and had their first practice session at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri
Three-time U-17 world champions Brazil arrived in the city yesterday ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month and had their first practice session at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri. The junior Seleccao's wonder kid Vinicius Junior was absent due to his league commitments in Brazil and will join the team in Mumbai on Saturday. The Flamengo sensation Vinicius, 17, who will officially sign the dotted line for La Liga champions Real Madrid in July next year, is being heralded as the next big superstar from the South American nation. His teammates believe Vinicius is a role model for them. "Vinicius is a great player and has good skills. Thank God he got the opportunity to play for Real. He is an example to all of us. We are grateful to have him in our side. One day, we may get to play for the same club," Brazil defender Matheus Stockl said yesterday after the team's practice session.
Brazil's wonder kid Vinicius Jr
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Matheus, who has been the bedrock of Brazil club Atletico Mineiro for the last five years, felt that facing a striker like Vinicius has improved the quality of his game. "It's difficult for a defender to play against him, but it has improved my football because it is tough to see players of his quality. If I can face him, then I can face almost anybody," he added. Brazil were recently crowned 2017 U-17 South American champions after a 5-0 win over Chile. However, the U-17 World Cup has eluded the Greens and Yellows since 2003 (they won their previous two titles in 1997 and 1999). Asked if there is added pressure to deliver this time, goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao negated any such queries. "If we are here, it's because we can handle this pressure. We have to do our best and not think about pressure. Our South American title is the past. This tournament is going to be difficult," Gabriel said.
Stockl
Acclimatising to Indian conditions won't be a problem for the Brazil colts. The Cruzeiro shot-stopper revealed that almost 14-15 members from the current squad were part of the side that bagged the crown in the BRICS tournament in Goa last year. Brazil will play a practice match against New Zealand tomorrow. Meanwhile, their match against an Indian team scheduled for September 30 has been cancelled.
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