Scolari trusts Jo to make an impact late in the game for Brazil. Nacho Doce / Reuters
Scolari trusts Jo to make an impact late in the game for Brazil. Nacho Doce / Reuters
Scolari trusts Jo to make an impact late in the game for Brazil. Nacho Doce / Reuters
Scolari trusts Jo to make an impact late in the game for Brazil. Nacho Doce / Reuters

Sport

Neymar a star for Brazil, but who are they?

Three lesser-known players in the Brazil squad who could make an impact. Watch for them.

Gary Meenaghan

June 11, 2014

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Bernard

Tiny forward good with both feet and a frightening burst of pace. Usually sees only cameo roles as a replacement for Hulk on the right wing but always looks lively and dangerous. Endured a tough first season with Shakhtar Donetsk, but earned Luiz Felipe Scolari’s trust with solid performances at the Confederations Cup. Bernard dropped a few hints already that he could be ready to leave Ukraine, with Arsenal and Tottenham both reportedly keen.

Jo

The striker, above, scored scoring 30 times in 52 games for CSKA Moscow, but disappointed after joining Manchester City for £19 million (Dh117.1m) in 2008. Since returning to Brazil in 2011, has looked more confident playing alongside Ronaldinho at Atletico Mineiro. Scolari trusts him to make an impact late in games. The trust was repaid last summer when Jo netted late goals against Japan and Mexico.

Fred

The former Lyon striker is the only first-choice player based in Brazil. Now with Fluminense, he has long been seen by Scolari as the perfect player to fill the No 9 role. His record for Brazil is noteworthy: he has 17 goals in 31 games and finished with the silver boot at last summer’s Confederations Cup. More impressive is his ability to bring other players into the action. Tireless, selfless, strong in the air and deceptively good on the ground, Fred is not to be underestimated.

gmeenaghan@thenational.ae

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