Rayan hails Seleção's collective strength before cup knockout clash
· Yahoo Sports
Forward Rayan spoke about expectations for Brazil’s next World Cup match, against Japan next Monday (29), in the Round of 32. In a press conference held this Friday (26) at The Ridge hotel in New Jersey, United States, the number 26 highlighted the strength of the Brazilian team.
“In the group stage, we know we can fix our mistakes. But now it’s do or die. We know Japan has many quality players, but we have an incredible group of players. (...) It’s going to be a tough match, but we’ll give our best and work throughout the week to come away with the win,” said the 19-year-old.
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Dream come true
The Brazil forward described the moment he is living as the realization of a dream, recalling his journey from the youth ranks to playing in his first World Cup at 19.
Rayan during a Brazil press conference in New JerseyCredits: Nelson Terme/CBF
He started in the 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday (24) and played a decisive role in the move that led to the first goal: he dispossessed the opposing defender, and the ball fell to Vini Jr., who opened the scoring.
"I’m living a dream being here at the World Cup at 19 years old. I came on looking at the stadium, remembering the moments I’ve already been through, playing in a World Cup, for the first time as a starter, and we know the suffering we’ve gone through. It’s a feeling of great pride to be here. Going out onto the field and being as natural as possible, things will flow naturally,” he said.
Importance of the youth teams
Developed at Vasco da Gama, the player went through every youth level of the Brazilian National Team before reaching the senior squad. Now at Bournemouth in England, he began in 2021 with the Under-15 team, is now playing in his first World Cup, and highlighted the importance of Brazil’s youth national teams in his career.
“We know how important the youth national teams are, and we’re very proud to represent our country from an early age. They are very important for our growth as people and as players. It’s a great source of pride to represent my country,” he said.
Rayan during a Brazil press conference in New JerseyCredits: Nelson Terme/CBF
Squad quality
Rayan also spoke about the quality of Brazil’s squad. The number 26 praised the group’s ability to maintain its quality on the pitch despite possible lineup changes and substitutions.
“Our group is very strong, with quality players. If one comes in and another goes out, I think it’ll be the same thing. If I come off, Endrick comes on; if I come off, Neymar comes on. Day by day, Ancelotti chooses the players who are in the best form at the moment, and I think it’s working. We’ll keep following this path, which has been very well laid out,” the forward concluded.
Rayan during a Brazil press conference in New JerseyCredits: Nelson Terme/CBF
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