Hugo Souza: Corinthians keeper back in Brazil squad after 8 years | OneFootball

After decisive performances for Corinthians – including in the final of the Paulistão –, goalkeeper Hugo Souza has been a constant presence in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s call-ups. The Italian is expected to start him in the friendly against Japan this Tuesday, and thus, Timão will once again have a goalkeeper playing in a Brazil match after almost eight years.

The last time a Corinthians goalkeeper played for the Brazilian National Team was on November 10, 2017, when Cássio played 45 minutes in a friendly, coincidentally against the same Japan. Currently at Cruzeiro, the “Giant” was part of coach Tite’s cycle and was called up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

🔗 Instagram

Golden Opportunity

Just like Cássio in 2017, Hugo Souza has a great chance against Japan to truly stamp his passport for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has already publicly praised the goalkeeper for being a great penalty stopper and admitted that this could be a deciding factor when making his selection.

Another similarity with 2018 is that, at this moment, the first two goalkeepers for the National Team are still Alisson and Éderson, which leaves the fight for the third spot wide open. Bento, who was third choice under Dorival Júnior, transferred to Al-Nassr and has been facing criticism there.

John, Hugo Souza, and Bento, at the Brazilian National Team training – PHOTO: @rafaelribeirorio / CBF

Decisive at Corinthians

After emerging as a major revelation for Flamengo in 2020, Hugo went through ups and downs at the Rubro-Negro, until he was loaned to Chaves, in Portugal. There, he regained his good form and caught the attention of Corinthians, who were struggling with the departures of idol Cássio and the promising Carlos Miguel.

So, Hugo transferred to Corinthians and quickly formed a strong bond with the club and its fans. The goalkeeper was permanently signed by Timão and racked up appearances in decisive moments, such as the penalty save against Raphael Veiga in the final of this year’s Campeonato Paulista, won by Alvinegro.

Hugo Souza – Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians and Alan Morici/Agência Corinthians

This season, Hugo Souza played 48 matches for Corinthians, conceding 43 goals and keeping 22 clean sheets.

The friendly between Brazil and Japan is this Tuesday, at 7:30 a.m. (Brasília time), at Ajinomoto Stadium, in Tokyo, as part of the preparations for the World Cup. Last Friday, the Japanese drew 2-2 with Paraguay, in the city of Osaka.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.