RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was among 23 players named in Brazil's squad on Sunday for friendlies against Guinea and Senegal next month, his first national team call up after being racially abused in a match at Valencia earlier this month.
The games against the two African countries are part of an anti-racism campaign by Brazil in support of 22-year-old Vinicius Jr, who last week suffered racist insults from fans -the 10th time this season he has been abused in LaLiga.
Five-time world champions Brazil will face Guinea in Barcelona on June 17 and Senegal in Lisbon three days later. The squad announced by acting Brazil manager Ramon Menezes also features four players who have been called up for the first time, including Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton. "There is always room in the national team for players performing well," Menezes, who coaches the Under-20 team currently playing at the World Cup in Argentina, told a press conference.
"But you'll notice that in every position there are players who played at the World Cup, which is important so they can provide support for those who are being called up for the first time."Menezes has been acting manager since Tite left the national team after the World Cup. The Brazilian FA has been eyeing Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti to take the post, but the Italian has said he will honour the last year of his club contract.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soccer: Brazil to play African nations in anti-racism campaign to support Vinicius Jr(Reuters) - Brazil will play friendlies against two African nations as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of their Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, who has been racially abused in Spanish League games this season, the Brazilian FA (CBF) said on Friday.
Read more »
Soccer: Chelsea's Lampard hoping to bid farewell on a highAlthough Frank Lampard was unable to turn around Chelsea's fortunes in a dismal campaign, the manager expressed hopes of ending his second stint in charge of the club on a positive note in their Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Read more »
Soccer-Ajax decline invitation to honour women's team(Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam's women's team will not be honoured with a public celebration in the Dutch capital on Monday despite claiming the Eredivisie title, as club officials fear the poor performance of the men's team this season will solicit a lukewarm response.
Read more »
Soccer-Tottenham need return to recognisable style, says MasonLONDON (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur need to hire a new head coach as soon as possible and re-establish a style of play, according to interim manager Ryan Mason ahead of their final game of the season.
Read more »
Soccer-Arsenal must 'seek excellence' in transfer market - Arteta(Reuters) - Arsenal must make smart decisions in the close-season transfer window so they can once again compete for the Premier League next season, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday.
Read more »
Soccer-Guardiola faces another balancing act in final league match against BrentfordMANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces another careful balancing act in his team's quest for the treble, saying he will wait until Saturday before deciding who will play in their virtually meaningless Premier League final game on Sunday.
Read more »