Brazil will kick-start their Rio Olympics 2016 campaign against South Africa on the 4th of August. Rogerio Micale has been coaching the U-23 side and had included Neymar, Renato Augusto, and Fernando Prass as the three players over the age of 23. But Prass suffered an elbow injury a couple of days back and has been replaced by 28-year-old Weverton.
Coach Dunga had opted for Neymar to play in the Olympics rather than the Copa America and paid for it as Brazil faced an early exit from the tournament at the hands of Peru. Dunga was replaced by Tite as the senior team coach.
Brazil have been trying to win a Gold at the Olympics but failed to do so in the previous two editions. In, 2008, Ronaldinho led Brazil to the semi-finals and were defeated by Argentina. In, 2012, Neymar and team lost to Mexico in the Final and will be looking to get the Gold this year.
Here’s the predicted playing XI.
Predicted Playing XI:
Goalkeeper:
Weverton:
In the absence of Fernando Prass, Weverton will be expected to start in the first game for Brazil against South Africa. The 28-year-old has appeared 207 times for Atlético Paranaense and brings a wealth of experience to this under-23 side that is taking part in the Olympics.
Defenders:
Marquinhos:
PSG central defender Marquinhos will be expected to be in the playing XI against South Africa in the first match. The 22-year-old centre-back has represented Brazil 11 times and appeared 75 times for PSG. Marquinhos has had exposure in big matches and will have to step up in the absence of David Luiz and Thiago Silva, keeping the defence intact for Brazil.
Zeca:
Santos full-back Zeca could start for the Home team against the Proteas. Zeca has played 51 games for Santos and has been their first choice player since 2015. Zeca will be looking to make a mark for himself on this big stage.
Rodrigo Caio:
Sao Paulo centre-back Rodrigo Caio is one of the most experienced players in the team and has appeared in more than 80 matches for the Brazilian club. Caio will be expected to partner up with Marquinhos.
Douglas Santos:
Brazilian full-back Douglas Santos featured in the warm-up game against Japan and could also start against South Africa in the first game. Santos has played 52 times for Athletico Mineiro.
Midfielders:
Renato Augusto:
The 28-year-old is one of the older players to represent Brazil in the Olympics and a lot will be expected of him in the upcoming matches. Augusto has played over 100 times for Bayer Leverkusen and is now representing the Chinese club Beijing Guoan.
Felipe Anderson:
The 23-year-old is a promising talent and plays as an attacking midfielder for the Italian Club Lazio. He has played 75 times for Lazio and has scored 17 goals. Anderson has also represented the senior team on a single occasion.
Rafinha:
Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will most likely be playing as an attacking midfielder as he has done for the Catalans. The 23-year-old has even scored once for the senior side.
Forwards:
Gabriel Barbosa:
The 19-year-old Barcelona target who is set to join Inter Milan is a promising striker who has already scored in the warm-up game for Brazil and will look to continue his good form throughout the tournament.
Neymar:
Barcelona’s talisman has been given the green light by the Spanish club to feature in the Olympics and will be a major boost for this young side trying to achieve their maiden gold medal in the Olympics.
Gabriel Jesus:
Brazilian wonder-kid Gabriel Jesus has scored 14 goals in 32 appearances for Brazilian club Palmeiras and is now making his mark for the National team.
Predicted Playing XI: Weverton, Zeca, Marquinhos, Rodrigo Caio, Douglas Santos, Renato Augusto, Felipe Anderson, Rafinha, Gabriel Barbosa, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus.
