Brazil top scorer at South American, Eduardo Pape eyes U17 v USA | OneFootball

Top scorer and captain of the campaign that earned Brazil third place at the South American U-17 Championship, midfielder Eduardo Pape is one of the leaders of the squad called up to begin the Brazilian National Team’s preparations for the World Cup in the category. During training sessions in Natal (RN), where the Seleção will face the United States in two friendlies, the Cruzeiro player spoke about the process of building chemistry within the developing squad and highlighted off-field unity as an important factor in finishing the first stage of preparation with wins. The first match will be this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Arena das Dunas.

With four goals scored in the South American Championship, in addition to an assist in the rout over Argentina, Pape also showed the dynamism expected by coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci, alternating roles between playing out from the back, organizing attacking moves, and joining the attack. Although the title, the main objective, did not come, the experience gained in the continental competition brought valuable lessons and turned the player into one of the group’s reference points.

Eduardo Pape (in the training bib): the player shows confidence going forward and solidity in defenseCredits: Daniel Santos / QFC

“Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve what we wanted, which was the title, but it’s an experience we’ll carry with us for life. Now we’ll take that learning into the friendlies. We have to stay calm and pass on all the good things to our teammates so everything works out,” said the player, one of the most praised by the coach during Thursday’s (4) training session at the QFC training center.

“That training session was very important for us to adapt. There are many new players in this preparation period. So it’s a time to get to know our teammates better and arrive well for the friendlies. Our team is very united and relaxed off the field, and we try to bring that onto the field as well. Anyone who is here with the National Team is here because they have quality football to show. With good players by your side, it’s always easier to play,” he said.

Coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci (center) during Thursday’s (4) session at the QFC training centerCredits: Daniel Santos / QFC

With that mindset, the player did not hide his excitement about wearing the National Team shirt again just over a month after the South American Championship.

“Expectations couldn’t be better. Preparation has been going really well, the group is very strong, and we’re going all out to win these two friendlies and arrive at the World Cup in good shape,” he concluded.

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