Tuesday 20 August 2019, 17:45

Marta, Formiga make Sundhage’s maiden Brazil squad

  • Pia Sundhage has named Marta and Formiga in her first Brazil squad

  • They face Argentina in preparation for Tokyo 2020

  • “I love a selfie!” revealed the Swede

Pia Sundhage has named Marta and Formiga in her first Brazil squad for a four-team tournament also comprising Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica.

Fellow veteran Cristiane misses out due to a knee injury, but established stars Andressa Alves and Debinha and youngsters Geyse and Ludmila have made the cut.

Sundhage assumed the reins from Vadao following the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™. There, Brazil beat Jamaica 3-0 thanks to Cristiane’s brilliant hat-trick, lost 3-2 to Australia, and overcame Italy 1-0 to reach the Round of 16, before losing a thrilling, end-to-end clash with the hosts after extra time.

The former Sweden and USA coach will debut in the dugout against Argentina on Thursday 29 August, with the winners facing Chile or Costa Rica in the final three days later.

Sundhage is looking to prepare Brazil for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020. Great Britain, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden are its other five qualifiers so far.

One of the greatest players in women’s football history, the former forward guided USA to two Olympic golds and a runners-up finish – they lost on penalties to Japan in the Final – at Germany 2011. Sundhage then led Sweden to silver at the 2016 Olympics, eliminating USA and Brazil, both on spot-kicks, en route.

“I love it here,” said Sundhage. “It’s been great to have this support from the very start and at the airport, someone came to take a selfie [with me]. I love a selfie!

“It’s such a friendly country, everyone wants us to succeed. Everyone who lives in this country generally loves football. I’ve been travelling a lot and I feel comfortable. Soon Rio will be my home.”

Brazil squad Goalkeepers: Aline, Barbara.

Defenders: Leticia Santos, Fabiana, Joyce, Tamires, Kathellen, Monica, Erika, Bruna Benites.

Midfielders: Thaisa, Luana, Formiga, Yaya.

Forwards: Andressa Alves, Geyse, Marta, Milene, Debinha, Chu, Bia Zanerato, Ludmila, Raquel.

FIFA.com will publish an exclusive interview with Sundhage next week.