Neymar and several other top Brazilian players have been left out of the national squad for friendlies next month against the Socceroos and Argentina in Melbourne.
The Barcelona striker has played a major tournament every summer since the Copa America in 2011 and he, along with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, who is suffering from a muscle strain, were left out of coach Tite’s reformed squad.
Regulars Marquinhos, Miranda, Marcelo and Dani Alves were also spared the trip to Australia.
In their place, Monaco centre back Jemerson and Corinthians midfielder Rodriguinho were called up for the first time. Shakhtar Donetsk striker Taison, who has played just six minutes of international football, was another surprise inclusion.
David Luiz will return in defence and Gabriel Jesus was recalled after two months out injured at Manchester City.
Brazil will play Argentina on 9 June at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and face the host Socceroos at the same venue four days later.
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers
Diego Alves (Valencia), Weverton (Atletico-PR), Ederson (Benfica)
Defenders
David Luiz (Chelsea), Gil (Shandong Luneng), Jemerson (AS Monaco), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Thiago Silva (PSG), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Fagner (Corinthians), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Rafinha (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders
Fernandinho (Manchester City), Giuliano (Zenit), Lucas Lima (Santos), Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Rodriguinho (Corinthians), Willian (Chelsea)
Forwards
Diego Souza (Atletico-PR), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Believe it or not this was originally sent to the Moderators.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
100% correct. How about these ppl supporting Australian football and getting to HAL games. Oh, too much to ask for is it ???
Stevo
Roar Rookie
100% correct. Only foolish people and Eurosnobs get excited by this circus. How about these ppl supporting Australian football and getting to HAL games. Oh, too much to ask for is it ???
Lee
Guest
Peeps that buy tickets to these games expecting the first team will travel all the way here to play a Mickey Mouse exhibition game are foolish. The same applies to the incessant games with Liverpool and even arsenal are now in on the act. A fool and his money are soon parted!!
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
Argentina vs Brazil is never a friendly match. This is a matter of national pride for both countries. Brazil are a great team without Neymar, and whilst he's not coming, I'm still super excited to go and see the two arch rivals in what will be one of the best nights of football ever seen in this country. Dale, Dale Argentina!
Waz
Guest
@ worlds biggest. Seeing two of the greatest teams in world football play in front of 99,000 people will hopefully be decent compensation for your nephew.
Nemesis
Guest
Fair enough. If anyone asked me, I would've said: Don't expect Neymar, Messi, etc. to play these matches. If they do, it's a bonus. But don't buy your ticket expecting them to play. Of course, I wouldn't expect the promoters to say that in the marketing statements.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I know how it all works mate, just feel for my 11 year old nephew who was so excited to see Neymar v Messi. Whilst it's a friendly game the MCG is a sellout. Respect and courtesy should be shown to a full paying audience. If Neymar was never a shot to play then state it from get go.
Midfielder
Guest
N BTW don't forget to look at the reports and links tonight to live broadcast of NPL and FFA Cup matches. I need help to grow ths aspect of Football . See the end of this thread... remember when you click onto the thread to look to the right and click newest to go straight to the links... For a tastier have a look at ssy the last 20 posts or so on the thread. http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/05/15/missing-league-try-watching-local-club
Waz
Guest
I've got to agree with Nemesis here, if you bought tickets to see Neymar v Messi then you missed the obvious, you were buying tickets to see Brazil/Argentina ..... and if that's not good enough (a) don't buy tickets in the first place or (b) don't whinge like a petulant child and insult the excellent players that are travelling.
Nemesis
Guest
It's a practice match. Everyone in Australia should know, by now, that practice matches may or may not include the superstar players. And, even if they contain the superstar players you're kidding yourself if you think they'll give 100%. It's a practice match. Set your expectations & budget for a practice match & you'll never be disappointed.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Feel for all those who have parted with there hard earned to buy tickets. My sister in law is spending a fortune on travel / accom and tickets for her and son in the hope to see Neymar v Messi but alas that was a pipedream.
At work
Roar Rookie
I knew this whole thing was a rort. Friendlies like this are nothing but a scam to the football public