Brazil’s Women World Cup squad: Marta in, Cristiane not picked

• Marta Vieira is set to play at her sixth World Cup after being included in Brazil’s squad for the tournament that starts next month
• This year’s Women’s World Cup is likely to be the last one for the 37-year-old, who has won the world player of the year five times

Marta Vieira is set to play at her sixth World Cup after being included in Brazil’s squad for the tournament that starts next month.

The 37-year-old forward will lead Brazil alongside other experienced players such as Debinha, Tamires and Andressa Alves in the quest for a first Women’s World Cup triumph. The Women’s World Cup will be taking place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20.

Marta has been included in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. Photo/ ESPN.

Brazil, who have never won the competition, are in Group F alongside Panama, Jamaica and France. The South American side will start a training camp this week and will face Chile on a friendly match before travelling to Australia.

Marta, who is considered by many the greatest female footballer ever, will be looking forward to lead her country to the final. This year’s Women’s World Cup is likely to be the last one for the 37-year-old, who has won the world player of the year five times.

However, Brazil’s head coach Pia Sundhage does not guarantee that Marta will feature in the starting lineup.

“Marta is the queen, she is an icon. Just being around her is contagious. If she will be in the starting lineup I don’t know, not yet. She will play the role I will give her and I am sure she will do well.” Pia Sundhage said on Tuesday, as per Reuters.

Brazil, who are Copa America champions, are at a generational crossroads and not tipped to win the World Cup trophy. Sundhage picked eleven players who will be making their World Cup debut in Australia. The 63-year-old manager believes she could use the mix as a winning formula.

Pia Sundhage. Photo/ Inside Futbol.

Brazil will begin their campaign on July 24 against Panama in Adelaide. They will face France in the group stages and are expected to advance to the round of 16. They were eliminated from the tournament last time by France, who are now under manager Herve Renard.

Brazil’s World Cup Squad 

Goalkeepers: Leticia Izidoro (Corinthians), Camila (Santos), Barbara (Flamengo).

Defenders: Lauren, Monica (both Madrid CFF), Rafaelle (Arsenal), Kathellen (Real Madrid), Bruninha (Gotham FC), Tamires (Corinthians), Antonia (Levante).

Midfielders: Duda Sampaio, Luana (both Corinthians), Adriana (Orlando Pride), Ana Vitória (Benfica), Ary Borges (Racing Louisville), Kerolin (North Carolina Courage).

Forwards: Marta (Orlando Pride), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Nycole (Benfica), Geyse (Barcelona), Andressa Alves (Roma), Gabi Nunes (Madrid CFF), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras).

The biggest surprise inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad was Flamengo goalkeeper Barbara. The 34-year-old had not been picked in recent calls. One of the biggest names which did not make the squad was Cristiane. The 38-year-old Santos forward managed 11 goals for Brazil in previous editions of World Cup.