Brazil dey face big pressure as dem prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru, but dem no get some of their key players because of injuries.
For the first time in many years, Brazil dey struggle, and dem currently fifth in the standings with 10 points, just ahead of Venezuela on goal difference. Only the top six teams go qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Manager Dorival Jr, wey dem appoint in January, don win only two competitive games since he take over. After a poor Copa America campaign, Brazil manage win narrow home victory over Ecuador last month, but dem lose 1-0 to Paraguay few days later.
Dorival Jr make surprise announcement say Botafogo forward Igor Jesus go start up-front against Chile, leaving Real Madrid teenager Endrick on the bench. Igor Jesus, 23 years old, don become stand-out talent for Botafogo since he join dem in July, scoring seven goals in 19 games.
“What I see is that Igor’s moment is very interesting, Endrick is still getting to know his new club, he’s arriving at the biggest club in world football with a lot of competition,” Dorival tell reporters. “I think that Igor’s own experience and the moment he’s living is a little different. Maybe it’s important to have players with this profile for a game of this magnitude and at this time.”
Igor Jesus also play for Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli from 2020 to 2024, where he win four trophies and score 43 goals in 87 appearances. He refuse naturalization to play for the UAE national team, hoping to play for Brazil one day, which now come true.
