17 February,2018 01:29 PM IST | Rio de Janeiro | IANS
Brazil coach Tite. Pic/AFP
Brazil coach Tite said that he has already chosen his preferred starting lineup for this year's World Cup in Russia. But eight of the 23 places in his squad for the June 14 to July 15 tournament remain open, the 56-year-old said in an interview with Brazilian news service Uol on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.
Barring injury, the starting eleven will comprise a front three of Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho; a midfield of Renato Augusto, Paulinho and Casemiro; and a backline of Marcelo, Marquinhos, Miranda and Daniel Alves, with Alisson in goal.
Others guaranteed to be on the plane to Russia are Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, Chelsea playmaker Willian, Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva and Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino. "The list is partly confirmed and partly still open," Tite said.
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"It's confirmed for players who are playing consistently well for both their clubs and the national team." Among those vying for the final eight places, are Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha, Juventus pair Alex Sandro and Douglas Costa, Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis and Gremio midfielder Arthur.
Brazil are among the frontrunners to win football's main event after dominating the South American zone qualifying tournament. The five-time World Cup champions have been drawn in the same group as Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia.
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