Bento discusses starting for Brazil v Korea after talks with Taffarel | OneFootball

On Monday, goalkeeper Bento gave a press conference and commented on the Brazilian National Team’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The player also spoke about his teammate Éderson’s injury and revealed that, after the incident, he had conversations with Taffarel about a possible starting spot against the Koreans.

“We talked with Taffarel. There is, indeed, an idea for me to play against Korea, but nothing has been decided yet. The coach will make that decision in the end. Regardless, whether I play one game or another, I have to give my best, represent well, and make the most of this opportunity, which is very good for me,” he said.

Although he has been present in all of Ancelotti’s call-ups since the coach’s arrival, the goalkeeper stated that he should not think he has a guaranteed spot at the 2026 World Cup, but emphasized that playing in the tournament would be a dream.

“I don’t think I can assume I have a guaranteed place. I will never think that way, that’s just who I am: always striving and working to be here again in future call-ups. Thank God, I get injured very little, and I think that’s very important to have continuity in the National Team. If, in the end, my name is among the 23 called up for the World Cup, it will be the greatest achievement of my career. So I’m going to work to achieve that dream,” he stated.

“It’s a great opportunity. If I get to play, I need to firmly grasp the opportunity and not let go. As I mentioned, the World Cup is coming, so it’s very important to make the most of it to be there in the end,” he added.

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The player also recalled Brazil’s fifth World Cup title, won in South Korea and Japan, and highlighted that returning to these countries brings special motivation to the team.

“I remember the 2006 World Cup. These are World Cup memories that, when you’re young, make you believe that one day you can be there. Today, being here, having this opportunity and being able to dream of playing in a World Cup, is already very gratifying. Going down this path in Korea and Japan is very important for our National Team. Brazil were champions here in 2002, and I think that gives us extra strength to keep believing and evolving, because I’m sure things will work out for the best in 2026 and, in the end, we’ll be there,” he concluded.

Friendlies in Asia

Brazil will face South Korea and Japan during this FIFA window in friendlies as preparation for the World Cup. The match against the Koreans is scheduled for Friday at 8 a.m. (Brasília time), while the game against the Japanese will take place on the 14th at 7:30 a.m.

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