RIO DE JANEIRO: uncapped goalkeeper Weverton has been rushed into Brazil’s Olympic Games football squad after Fernando Prass injured an elbow in training writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
A statement from the Brazilian CBF announced: “Rogerio Micale, the coach of the Olympic team, has selected goalkeeper Weverton (Atletico Paranaense) to replace Fernando Prass, who was released after his right elbow injury was confirmed.”
Weverton, 28, will be one of the three over-age players permitted in the under-23 squad for the men’s football tournament which opens on Thursday, one day before the official Opening Ceremony.
Atletico Mineiro’s Uilson played in goal at the weekend when Brazil beat Japan 2-0 in their final warm-up. They kick off their bid for gold in Brasilia against South Africa.
Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa opened the scoring after 32 minutes when his shot was deflected past Japan keeper Kosuke Nakamura. Marquinhos scored a second eight minutes later when he beat two defenders to the ball to head home a corner.
Brazil were dominant throughout and particularly in the first half when the outstanding Neymar and Thiago Maia both hit the posts.
The Brazilians will also face Iraq and Denmark in the group stage of the Olympics, the one major international title they have never won. Brazil have finished with the silver medal on three occasions, most recently in London four years ago.
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