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Léo Pereira believes he deserves a call-up to the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup

Filipe Luís often says that Léo Pereira is at the level of the Brazilian National Team. However, the defender has not yet received a call-up from coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite the World Cup approaching, the Flamengo defender remains hopeful of being at next year's tournament and even showed his knowledge about Brazil's opponents in the competition.

— It is definitely a goal of mine. It's a dream for any Brazilian player to represent Brazil and play in a World Cup. I'm working hard for this, dedicating myself to the fullest to earn this opportunity. I'm in the best moment of my career and I believe I deserve a chance. As far as I'm concerned, I'll be available to help in any way I can — said Léo Pereira to ESPN.

— I've already seen the draw. Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti. Scotland is a traditional team, which has had several matches against Brazil, Morocco was a semifinalist in the last World Cup… We're aware, and I hope I can be there to help. I'll prepare myself, dedicate myself. First to Flamengo, of course, because everything depends on that, on me representing my club very well, and then things will happen naturally — the defender added.

WILL YOU CALL HIM UP, ANCELOTTI?

In the last World Cup cycle, Léo Pereira saw two Flamengo teammates receive call-ups, namely Léo Ortiz and Danilo. The hero of the fourth title, in fact, is a substitute at Mengão, but has Carlo Ancelotti's trust and should go to the World Cup.

So, Léo Pereira will only have one more chance to be called up before the World Cup. Brazil's last two friendlies before the tournament will be against France and Croatia in March. In the middle of the year, the five-time champions will face Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C of the World Cup.

WILL LÉO PEREIRA PLAY THE WORLD CUP IN 2025?

While the World Cup remains distant for Léo Pereira, the defender has a chance to win another World Cup. This Wednesday (10th), the Most Beloved faces Cruz Azul from Mexico in the Derby of the Americas, which will put the winner in the semifinals of the Intercontinental Cup. Thus, the match kicks off at 2 p.m. (Brasília time), in Qatar.

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