Brazil name three new faces for friendlies

Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-13 01:44:55|Editor: yan
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By Michael Place

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil coach Tite has called up uncapped trio Willian Jose, Talisca and Neto for international friendlies against Russia and Germany later this month.

Real Sociedad forward Willian Jose, Besiktas midfielder Talisca and Valencia goalkeeper Neto were included in a 25-man squad for what will be Tite's last chance to test his players before naming a 23-strong list for the World Cup in Russia.

"All players continue to be evaluated," Tite told a news conference here. "Willian Jose and Talisca are in great form and bring different components. Willian Jose has had two great seasons with Real Sociedad, where he has developed a lot.

"Talisca can shoot from distance, is good in the air and has physical presence. This is not a definitive (World Cup) list. There are still places available."

As expected, the squad included Beijing Guoan's Renato Augusto, Barcelona midfielders Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho, Real Madrid's Casemiro as well as Manchester City duo Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar will miss the friendlies as he recovers from surgery to repair a fractured bone in his right foot.

Brazil will play Russia in Moscow on March 23 followed by a clash against their 2014 World Cup executioners Germany in Berlin four days later.

Tite admitted the Selecao's 7-1 semifinal defeat to Joachim Low's team four years ago still evokes pain for the five-time world champions.

"There are going to be strong emotions," the 56-year-old said. "We have to rise above those. What do we want from this match? Preparation for a high-level encounter. They (Germany) were World Cup champions in our home. We want to ready ourselves for the World Cup."

Brazil will play their first World Cup group match against Switzerland on June 17 before also facing Costa Rica and Serbia in the tournament's first phase.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Neto (Valencia)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (PSG), Geromel (Gremio), Filipe Luis (Atletico de Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Fagner (Corinthians), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Thiago Silva (PSG).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk), Paulinho (Barcelona), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Talisca (Besiktas), Willian (Chelsea).

Forwards: Douglas Costa (Juventus), Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk), Willian Jose (Real Sociedad).

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