Dorival confirms Vini Jr's return to the Brazilian National Team; announces new lineup.

Last Tuesday (13th), the coach of the Brazilian national team, Dorival Júnior, confirmed in a press conference the lineup for the match on Thursday (14th) against Venezuela, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The game will take place at 6 PM (Brasília time) at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín.

Dorival revealed that the idea is to repeat the lineup that defeated Peru 4-0 in October, with Vini Jr replacing the injured Rodrygo. The only change in the team will be the return of Vinícius Júnior, who missed the last call-up due to injury but is now back in the squad. Rodrygo, also injured, was not called up for the November matches. The coach also stated that the absence of Gabriel Magalhães and Abner did not affect his final choice for the starting team.

“I already had the idea to repeat it. I never doubted. I trust all the players. They are high-quality players and deserve respect, they will have the opportunity,” said Dorival Júnior.

The lineup of the Brazilian national team for the match will be as follows: Ederson (Manchester City), Vanderson (Monaco), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) and Abner (Lyon); Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo) and Raphinha (Barcelona); Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Igor Jesus (Botafogo) and Sávio (Manchester City). The coach also emphasized that the last round was not a decisive factor in his choices.

Additionally, Dorival highlighted that the non-awarding of the Ballon d'Or to Vini Jr was a "mistake". “Vini Jr should have won the Ballon d'Or. If it were an individual award, he would be the best, without a doubt," said the coach, praising the importance of the player, who stood out especially in the Champions League with Real Madrid.

Called up for the Brazilian National Team:

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras), Bento (Al-Nassr), Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Abner (Lyon), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG) Center-backs: Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Gerson (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) Forwards: Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Sávio (Manchester City), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Esteban (Palmeiras)

Upcoming matches for the Brazilian National Team:

• Venezuela (A) - November 14, at 6 PM (Brasília time) - World Cup Qualifiers
• Uruguay (H) - November 19, at 9:45 PM (Brasília time) - World Cup Qualifiers
• Colombia (H) - March 19, time to be determined - World Cup Qualifiers

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