If certain positions within Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad are undoubtedly filled already, there is also no doubt in the notion that one or two key places are still very much up for grabs in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s roster. A leading striker has not been settled on with Fred’s fitness proving unpredictable, whereas central defence is offering a glimmer of hope to those wishing to back up captain Thiago Silva.
Two such players with World Cup ambitions are Diego Tardelli, the Atletico Mineiro striker, and Dede, Cruzeiro’s 25 year-old centre back. At a Samba school in Rio de Janeiro, the pair spoke with reporters of their intentions. Said Tardelli: “My hope is still alive. I’ve followed World Cups and seen many players being called up at the last minute.”
Dede echoed tardelli’s confidence by declaring that “it’s a great expectation; my dream; my goal.”
“I’ve done really well this year and i am very focused on that. I stil have hope that I’ll be called up.”
