Coach Pia Sundhage did not guarantee Marta a place in the starting lineup for Brazil in the World Cup. This is the sixth and probably last edition of the tournament that the Queen will play. At 37, Marta being called up was not a surprise.
“It sounds like music to my ears when one player talks about other players. Marta is a queen, she is an icon, just being around her is contagious. She is generous, has a lot of energy. I’ve said a few times, that in the final part of the field, she’s one of the best. Being close to her, having the chance to be close to her, is very important. Whether she will be in the starting lineup, I don’t know. But whatever role I give her, I’m sure she’ll do well,” said Sundhage in the press conference.
READ MORE
++ Botafogo coach receives call from Cristiano Ronaldo and will probably accept Al Nassr offer
++ Press: Mbappe crisis could renew Neymar’s power at PSG
++ Casemiro has the second best-selling United shirt of the season
Marta was out of the field for 11 months because of a knee surgery. She got back to playing in February and has a total of 14 matches during this season.
“Marta deserves many things. Pressure is the wrong word. It seems like something negative. I’m lucky to be close to Marta. It is very special. We can use the name and person Martha in a positive way. For example, could you imagine, if we win the first game, what will that do to Brazil and Marta? Brazil is not a single player, but a team. Marta is the best for being the best team player. We would like to win for Brazil, and Marta is Brazilian.”
THE PLAYERS
Goalkeepers: Letícia Izidoro (Corinthians), Luciana (Ferroviária) and Camila Rodrigues (Santos);
Full backs: Antônia (Levante), Bruninha (Gotham FC) and Tamires (Corinthians);
Defenders: Kathellen (Real Madrid), Lauren (Madrid CFF), Mônica Hickman (Madrid CFF) and Rafaelle (Arsenal);
Midfielders: Adriana (Orlando Pride), Ary Borges (Racing Louisville), Duda Sampaio (Corinthians), Andressa Alves (Roma), Luana (Corinthians) and Ana Vitória (Benfica);
Forwards: Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Geyse (Barcelona), Kerolin (North Carolina Courage), Nicole (Benfica), Gabi Nunes (Madri CFF) and Marta (Orlando Pride).
Substitutes: Tainara (Bayern Munchen), Aline Gomes (Ferroviária) e Angelina (OL Reign).
