World Cup favorites Brazil held their first training session on Sunday but frustrated the hundreds of journalists at the Al Arabi Stadium hoping to see a possible starting eleven ahead of their World Cup Group G opener against Serbia on Thursday.
The five-time world champions are loaded with talent, but coach Tite is keeping Brazil’s cards close to their chest over the system and players he will use in their first game, with the biggest question mark surrounding Vinicius Jr.
The 22-year-old Real Madrid winger has yet to secure a place and Tite is tight-lipped on whether he will pair Fredo with his Manchester United team-mate Casemir to bolster midfield or drop Vinicius up front alongside Neymar, Richarlison and Raphinha.
Even the players do not yet know exactly who will play from the start against Serbia.
“We have no idea who the starting XI is – we are curious to see what the coach will decide and the competition is relentless to secure a place,” defender Alex Sandro told reporters on Sunday.
“However, regardless of who plays from the start, we are all ready, we know what the plan is and what we have to do.
“The last few days in Turin have been great and the team is very confident in what we can achieve.
Brazil began their preparations for the World Cup at Juventus’ training facilities in Italy on Monday, where they held a five-day camp before flying to Doha on Saturday.
In his first training session in Doha on Sunday, Tite practiced intensively on keeping possession in tight spaces, with the whole team involved for just over an hour.
However, without an 11-on-11 practice game, there was no indication of which players he plans to field.
Several countries have suffered injuries, but Brazil still have all their players in top form, which they are celebrating after a busy club schedule, especially in Europe.
“I feel sorry for the players who get injured and will miss the tournament. As for Brazil’s concerns, of course it’s good that all the players are fit and doing well,” added Alex Sandro.
“It’s a sign that gives us more confidence for what’s to come.”
