By: Sa’ad Alaro, Ilorin
Tite, the Brazil coach looks poised to hand Manchester United winger Antony his first start at the 2022 World Cup final match ahead of the round of 16.
Antony is yet tipped to be in the XI for the Group G clash with Cameroon, after coming off the bench during the wins over Serbia and Switzerland.
The exciting forward has been reported to have recovered from the injury that kept him out of Brazil matches in the build-up to the tournament, despite battling with illness in Qatar.
As the South Americans side have already qualified for the round of 16, Tite is ready to ring the changes for Friday night’s 19:00 GMT kick-off.
“Tite had already told us after the game against Switzerland that he intended to make changes in the line-up. He said he wanted everyone to play and we are happy with that decision,” Liverpool midfielder Fabinho revealed.
Newspaper reports claim eight of the Brazil XI team slots have been decided, with Ederson replacing Alisson in goal, while Dani Alves, Fabinho and Gabriel Martinelli should all feature.
Manchester United Defensive midfielder, Fred is contesting a place with Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United but may have to settle for a place on the bench, after being booked against Switzerland.
Richarlison and Vinicius are due to be rested, with Neymar still sidelined due to injury.
As the Brazil XI is set to be confirmed, Antony feels ready to make his mark on the tournament and will, no doubt, view this as the perfect platform to showcase his skills.
“It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit, ” he told journalists about picking up a bug
“I’m recovering well and getting 100 per cent. It was more of a sickness, [the] throat. It was the air conditioning [in the stadiums].
“Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a bad throat. It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team. Whenever you need Antony, I’m available.”
Meanwhile, Cameroon need to win the game to have any chance of qualifying, while Brazil require only a point to seal top spot.
