Even a draw for the Selecao would be enough if Uruguay lose
at home to Argentina on Friday, and Brazilian media have reported that coach
Tite is already planning to head to the Arab Cup in Qatar next month to check
out World Cup venues and facilities.
Publically, though, Tite is not getting ahead of himself
with a trip to face arch rivals Argentina in San Juan on the horizon next week.
“We have two important matches against two teams that, for
me, are of the highest level,” said Tite. “A good performance and a good result
against Colombia will provide us with a good preparation for Argentina.”
Tite caused a surprise by recalling Barcelona’s Philippe
Coutinho to his squad after more than a year out, largely due to a nine-month
absence with a knee injury that required three surgeries.
“It feels like it did the first time, that’s how I see it
every time I’m in the squad. It’s an honour to wear this jersey,” said
Coutinho, who has struggled for playing time this season at his club.
Brazil have dominated the single CONMEBOL World Cup
qualifying group, winning 10 of their 11 matches and scoring 26 goals.
Their only blemish was a 0-0 draw away to Colombia last
month that brought to an end a nine-match winning run.
Like Brazil, second-placed Argentina could also secure
qualification this month, although they would need other results to go their
way.
And they may have to do without star player Lionel Messi,
who is suffering from knee and hamstring problems and has missed his club Paris
Saint-Germain’s last two matches.
After their trip to Uruguay, Argentina, unbeaten in 25
matches, host Brazil next week and victories in both could be enough to book
their ticket to Qatar.
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