A file photo of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson. AFP
Doha: On the cusp of playing the second FIFA World Cup of his career, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson has no problem comparing the Brazilian team that reached the quarter-finals in 2018 to the team that will take to the pitch in Qatar.
The Liverpool No1 is convinced the five-time world champions will start the upcoming tournament in better shape to win a sixth trophy than they were four years ago.
“We have improved a lot since the last World Cup,” says the goalkeeper, in an interview with FIFA.
“We’ve made some changes with a new generation of players coming in. We have a good blend of experience and young players who are now making their mark in international football and who are already playing a big role for their teams in major competitions.”
In a break with tradition, Brazil did not sack their coach after the defeat against Belgium in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup. On the contrary, Tite was given a vote of confidence with a four-year mandate to prepare the Selecao for Qatar 2022.
Throughout this period, the coach has given out plentiful debuts. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Antony (Manchester United) and Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) are some of the names who have made it to the national team and are now looking forward to competing in the World Cup.
“I believe all these youngsters who have been called up in this cycle can make a real difference to our team, because they’re amazing players,” he says.
The keeper points out Brazil’s record in the qualifiers to highlight the strength of the team. The five time world champions not only had the best record in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, but went the entire campaign unbeaten (14 wins and three draws).
Indeed, Brazil have rarely experienced that losing feeling in recent times. Since the 2-1 defeat to Belgium in June 2018, they have only lost three games (two against Argentina and one versus Peru). They are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run that stretches back 15 months. Moreover, the Selecao have won their last seven outings, scoring 26 goals in the process (an average of 3.71 per game).
“The mood in the camp is a good as can possibly be. We’re all really excited. We’re performing at the highest level, both individually and as a team, and the results reflect that,” concluded Alisson. Brazil start their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign on 24 November against Serbia at the Lusail Stadium. They then take on Switzerland (November 28) and Cameroon (December 2) in Group G.
