Dani Alves had originally been preferred at right-back, but after a poor display against Paraguay, he was replaced for the Ecuador game by Maicon. The Internazionale defender had a solid game in the 4-2 win, and now wants to hold on to his starting place.
“I hope I can stay in the team," Maicon said after the Ecuador game. “The game was good and the team played very well. Now, I must wait to see what Mano decides for the next game.
“If he chooses me, I will be there to help the team any way I can," he continued. “When I was out of the team, I respected his decision. I just tried to work hard and wait for my opportunity, which came today [Wednesday]."
Meanwhile Alves praised his right-back rival for seizing his chance against Paraguay, saying: “Maicon is a great player and one of the best in the world in his position. He had an opportunity, worked hard and took his chance."
