“I want to show what Brazil is”, says Júlia Vaini on first U20 call-up | OneFootball

Being called up for the friendlies against the United States is a new step in Júlia Vaini’s career. Born in Osasco, the midfielder has been called up to the Brazil Under-20 National Team for the first time and is celebrating the opportunity after a journey built from a very young age in football.

Her path began in childhood, at the age of 7, when Júlia took her first steps in the Liga de Osasco project, at the Garotos da Vila unit, before reaching São Paulo’s youth academy, where she stood out and eventually earned call-ups to the national team. The player had two spells with the Brazil Under-17 National Team, where she gained important experience. Júlia recalled the excitement of her first opportunity with the Seleção.

“My first call-up was in 2022. I was still 15 years old and went to the Under-17 team. It was a very good experience—I wasn’t expecting it at that moment. It opened my mind and helped me understand that this is what I want: to be with the Brazil National Team. It is always a privilege. The national team is on a completely different level from what we experience at club level.”

Now, with the Under-20s, she is taking on the new challenge with enthusiasm. “I’m very happy with this call-up, my first with the Under-20s. I hope it will be a great opportunity. I want to contribute to the team, give my best, and show what Brazil is all about.”

After the first two days of training, Júlia admits she felt the weight of the moment, especially in her initial contact with the coaching staff led by head coach Camilla Orlando.

Júlia Vaini on the second day of the Brazil National Team’s preparation for the friendlies against the United States in Kansas (USA)Credits: Fabio Souza/CBF

“I’ll admit I was a little nervous about talking to Camilla, honestly. But she is really nice and firm with us.”

Júlia also highlighted the atmosphere within the group. “The girls are very welcoming. It has been a really great experience. I’m very happy to be here and I’m just grateful.”

Challenge against the United States

The call-up includes two friendlies against the United States, one of the main powerhouses in women’s football worldwide. The first match will be played on April 11 at CPKC Stadium. The second takes place on the 15th at Riverside Stadium, both in Kansas, United States. Júlia acknowledges the level of the opponents, but trusts in the strength of the Brazilian group.

“We know they are a very strong national team, not only in football, but physically as well. But we’re going to show what we know, play our way, and put into practice everything we’ve trained.”

Even with little time to prepare, the player believes in the team’s rapid development.

“There have only been a few days of training, but we still have one more. We’ll try to arrive as if we had been together for a long time. It’s about going at them and showing Brazil’s strength.”

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