Brazil will be looking for their first-ever World Cup victory at the 2023 edition of the tournament. Since its inception, the South American team has participated in every single edition but has not managed to go all the way yet.
They came closest in 2007 when they reached the final but lost out 0-2 to Germany. In the previous two editions, Brazil were knocked out in the Round of 16 and they will be hoping to go further and script history in 2023.
Head coach Pia Sundhage is set to name the final 23-member squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup on June 27. The squad will be updated once it is officially announced, but who is likely to make the cut? GOAL takes a look.
GOALKEEPERS
Luciana has been the trusted pair of gloves in between the sticks for 10 years now and that status will remain unchanged when the team begins their 2023 World Cup campaign.
In case Luciana cannot carry out her duties in goal, the able hands of Camila Rodrigues and Leticia Izidoro could be available on the bench.
DEFENDERS
If Brazil choose to employ a three-woman defence, Arsenal defender Rafaelle is sure to be one of the first names on the team sheet. She has over 80 caps for the national team and the FA Women’s League Cup winner will be a difficult player to beat for whoever Brazil are pitted against at the World Cup.
She will be joined by strong contenders Kathellen and Lauren in the centre-back positions, with the experienced Tamires defending the left flank and Antonia guarding the other side.
MIDFIELDERS
Kerolin and Luana are likely to be first-choice in the centre of the park for Brazil, a partnership that also took the field against England in the final of Women’s Finalissima in April.
They are likely to be supported by the skilled Adriana and the talented Ary Borges from either flank. If picked, the former could be the most experienced player in midfield for Brazil at the World Cup, with 42 caps and 12 goals so far.
FORWARDS
Brazil’s attacking talent is a serious threat to any opponent and fans will be looking forward to the final squad to check out who is included.
Brazilian legend Marta lost time to injury last season but is likely to feature in what will be her final World Cup campaign. The fan-favourite forward has scored 115 goals from 175 appearances for the national team and will be looking forward to a grand finish to her illustrious international career.
Andressa Alves, Bia Zenaretto, Geyse, Gabi Nunes and Debinha are all excellent options in the final third, and it will be interesting to see how the Brazilian attack shapes up at the World Cup.
EXPECTED XI
Luciana is set to continue in between the sticks for Brazil at the 2023 World Cup. Rafaelle, Kathellen and Laurenare set to form a three-woman defence, with Tamires and Antonia in support from the flanks as wing-backs.
In the midfield, Luana will take the lead alongside Kerolin, with Adriana and Borges attacking from the left and right flank, respectively. Brazilian legend Marta is expected to lead the line at an edition of the World Cup for one last time.
Brazil XI (5-4-1): Luciana; Tamires, Kathellen, Rafaelle, Lauren, Antonia; Adriana, Kerolin, Luana; Borges, Marta. Source: goal.com
