The Brazilian National Team ended on Wednesday (19) in Orlando the preparation phase for the Copa América. Since May 30, the players called up by Dorival Júnior have held 15 training sessions at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The city of Florida was chosen by the coaching staff to be the base of the delegation before the start of the continental competition, which will open on Thursday (20).
“It was a very coherent decision. We also have to thank the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, for having attended to all our requests. We came to Orlando in search of a faster acclimatization for the competition and we succeeded. We had no injuries during this period, which is difficult to happen, and we managed to work in an integrated way with all sectors, from the mental part to important administrative meetings for the success of the operation,” said Rodrigo Caetano, executive coordinator general of the Brazilian Men’s National Teams.
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In addition to the series of training sessions in Orlando, the National Team played two friendly matches during this period. Brazil defeated Mexico 3-2 in Texas on the 8th and drew 1-1 with the United States in Orlando.
“The main objective was to start the process aiming obviously at the short term, which is the Copa América, but also aiming at the medium term, which is the 2026 World Cup. We will not have until then a period as long as this one we are having here. Without a doubt, we have the intention to solidify a base, aiming not only at the qualifiers, but also at the 2026 World Cup,” added Rodrigo Cateano.
Before the training, the coaching staff held a meeting giving all the details to the players about the Copa América. The meeting was led by Cícero Souza, general technical manager of the Men’s National Teams. On Thursday (20), the delegation will depart for Los Angeles. On Monday (24), the Brazilian National Team will face Costa Rica in Inglewood, in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles.
“I now hope to take the support of the entire Brazilian people in our suitcase as well,” Rodrigo Caetano concluded.
