In the buildup to the Copa América, Brazil’s head coach Dorival Junior is playing his cards close to his chest, having confirmed only two players, Alisson and Gabriel Martinelli, for the starting lineup in the upcoming friendly against Mexico. The rest of the lineup remains undisclosed, with the coach emphasizing the need for focus and time for players to develop their best performance on the field. Gabriel Martinelli expressed his readiness and enthusiasm for the match, indicating a healthy competition within the squad while Luis Gustavo aims to secure his place as a starter for São Paulo in light of teammate absences and Kevin Rodríguez’s injury puts his Copa América participation for Peru in jeopardy as the team makes its final preparations for the tournament. Mexico’s goalkeeper situation has become a point of concern, with Luis Malagón ruled out due to injury, and coach Jaime Lozano not considering Guillermo Ochoa as a replacement, turning instead to Carlos Acevedo and Julio González. As teams finalize their strategies and rosters, the anticipation for Copa América intensifies, with players and coaches alike aware of the high stakes and the fierce competition that awaits.
Key points
- Brazil’s starting lineup for the friendly against Mexico is largely undisclosed, with only Alisson and Martinelli confirmed.
- Mexico’s goalkeeper Luis Malagón will miss the Copa América due to injury, with Julio González expected to start.
- Peru’s Kevin Rodríguez is unlikely to play in the Copa América, posing a challenge for the team’s coach.
- Thiago Silva’s return to Fluminense has generated excitement and could impact the team’s performance.
