Firmino in Brazil squad for USA clash
Liverpool fans in the United States, and particularly New England, will have a rare chance next month to watch Roberto Firmino play live.
Brazil national team coach Dunga on Thursday named Firmino to his squad for September 2015 exhibition games in the United States against Costa Rica and Team USA.
Firmino, one of Liverpool’s marquee summer signings, maintains his place on Brazil’s national team following his participation in the 2015 CONMEBOL Copa America in June.
He has played 10 games for Brazil’s senior national team to date.
Brazil will face Costa Rica on September 5 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., and the U.S. on September 8 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
Dunga also included Barcelona stars Neymar and Dani Alves as well as Kaka, a 33-year-old national hero of yesteryear, who now plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer.
Dunga omitted Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, despite his jaw-dropping goal in the Reds’ season-opening win over Stoke City on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Kaka advised Brazil and Liverpool to consider building their teams around Coutinho. Dunga apparently didn’t heed that particular message.
Brazil squad for September 2015 exhibitions:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Internacional), Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Grêmio).
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Danilo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luís (Atlético Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético-MG), Miranda (Internazionale), David Luiz (PSG), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG).
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Elias (Corinthians), Ramires (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Oscar (Chelsea), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Willian (Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos), Kaká (Orlando City).
Forwards: Neymar (Barcelona), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Lucas (PSG), Hulk (Zenit).
Source: NESN
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