Roberto Firmino has not been selected to play for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, with manager Tite opting for other players from his 26-man Brazil World Cup squad over the Liverpool striker .
The Brazilian has scored eight goals and made four assists in 19 appearances in all competitions so far this season but still hasn’t performed well enough to earn a place in the squad, Tite believes.
Instead, he chose Neymar, Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Antony, Richarlison and Real Madrid youngsters Vinicius Jr Rodrygo as attacking options in Qatar. Flamengo’s Pedro also earned a surprise call-up for the team, with the 25-year-old having made just two appearances for Brazil so far.
However, Firmino’s lack of selection might not come as much of a surprise. Firmino’s last goal for his country came in June 2021, at the Copa America, and although he was called up to play in September’s friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia, he didn’t make it. part of the last team of 26 players.
Firmino made 55 appearances for Brazil during his career, scoring 17 goals during that time. Despite appearing in four of the country’s five games at the last World Cup, Firmino hasn’t actually started a game. He scored late against Mexico but hasn’t done enough since to claim another shot on the team.
His Liverpool teammates Fabinho and Alisson have been selected, with both likely to play important roles for Brazil as they aim to win their first World Cup in 20 years.
Brazil begin their World Cup campaign in Qatar on Thursday, November 24 against Serbia, and are among the favorites to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament. They will also have to cross Switzerland and Cameroon to get out of Group G.
Former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho has also not been selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad. Coutinho was an important player in 2018, scoring twice. However, he has lost his way since joining Barcelona later that year and is currently struggling at Aston Villa.
