Brazil Copa America 2024 Squad and Tactical Analysis

Brazil needs to do better. After being eliminated by Croatia in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, it is being questioned whether the five-time world champions can even be regarded as among the favourites to win the 2024 Copa America.

After a dismal end to 2023 that saw them lose three consecutive World Cup qualifiers, the Selecao must find some form in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Of course, they could yet click into gear and undoubtedly have an attacking depth almost unmatched anywhere else in the world.

With Carlo Ancelotti having committed himself to Real Madrid, despite considerable interest from the South American country in his services, Fernando Diniz paid for that run with his job, and veteran Dorival Junior has taken his position as manager.

Dorival did not waste time in announcing his Copa America team. He confirmed 23 players to represent Brazil on May 10 and added three more ten days later when CONMEBOL expanded the list. Who, however, was cut?

Brazil squad for Copa America 2024

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico-PR), Rafael (Sao Paulo)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Wendell (Porto), Beraldo (PSG), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Bremer (Juventus)

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Ederson (Atalanta)

Attackers: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Gironaa), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Pepe (Porto)

EXPECTED XI

As Dorival continues to assemble his team, Brazil's biggest unknown is who he will choose as his centre striker. Despite scoring against England and Spain in a March friendly, Endrick may have forced his way into the starting eleven despite being stretchered off in what turned out to be his last Palmeiras game in May.

The team mostly picks itself; if the Selecao avoids further injuries, the coach must also make decisions at full-back.

Brazil XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Yan Couto, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Arana; Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinicius.

NOTABLE ABSENTEES

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer and the face of football in his country for the last ten years will miss the tournament after suffering an A.C.L. injury in October while on international duty. It is dubious that he will ever represent his country again.

As for the surprising exclusions, 2022 World Cup star Richarlison and Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus up top were left out, while midfield stalwart Casemiro paid for his poor play with Manchester United. Goalie Ederson, who had an injury late in the season, will not be participating either.

BRAZIL MANAGER: DORIVAL JUNIOR

Having been appointed in January 2024, Dorival Junior has hardly had time to settle in before being thrown into a big competition. At 61, Dorival has been waiting long to try his hand at the national team. Throughout his management career, he has overseen about 1000 games in Brazil alone and boasts an astounding 50% victory record. Still to be seen, however, is if he can carry it over to the national squad. 

BRAZIL'S STAR PLAYER

Vinicius Junior

It's not like Vincius Jr. hasn't earned the title of most essential player for Brazil, with Neymar a regular visitor to the treatment table.

The Real Madrid winger is already a Selecao star; his skill has made him the guy that his teammates look up to. But with plenty of other skills on the team, other teams can't solely concentrate on stopping him and let him go wild with his smooth dribbling and electrifying speed.  Vinicius may make all the difference for Brazil and America. 

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