Brazil boss snubs Firmino for World Cup quarterfinal

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino will start on the bench yet again when Brazil face Belgium in a blockbuster World Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday.

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus will continue to lead the line for the Brazilians, flanked by Willian and Neymar, despite his struggles in front of goal at this year’s tournament.

There have been calls throughout the tournament for the pecking order to be changed, with Firmino looking bright on all of his substitute appearances.

He very nearly inspired a Brazilian winner in their opening-round draw with Switzerland, won a crucial header leading to a long-awaited opener against Costa Rica on matchday two and got himself a goal last time out against Mexico, tapping-in at the back-post after Neymar’s shot had been saved.

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But Tite, who supposedly believes tactics are more important than personnel, will once again field an unchanged line-up.

That will no doubt signal further frustration for Liverpool fans who know what the 27-goal attacker can do, but they may also be relieved that their number nine’s fitness is being preserved ahead of the new season.

There is also Liverpool representation on the opposing side, with Simon Mignolet ready to deputise should Thibaut Courtois suffer an injury.

Two Reds who could play a big part in the last eight matches are Dejan Lovren, who will hope to guide Croatia past hosts Russia and into the last four, and Jordan Henderson, expected to remain England’s midfield linchpin for their game against Sweden.

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Source: anfieldhq.com