"He still starts for some reason" - Brazil fans frustrated with 'weak link' being named in starting line-up for FIFA World Cup quarter-final

Brazil fans are not pleased to see Raphinha named in Selecao's starting line-up to face Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final today (December 9).

Brazil came into the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the favorites and have certainly lived up to that tag so far. They have made their way into the quarter-finals of the tournament with ease.

Selecao booked their place in the Round of 16 of the competition in Qatar by finishing first in Group G. They then qualified for the quarter-finals with a thumping 4-1 victory over South Korea.

Tite and Co. will now be looking to earn a place in the final four of the FIFA World Cup by beating Croatia today. The two sides are scheduled to lock horns at the Education City Stadium in the first of four quarter-final clashes.

With less than an hour to go until kick-off, Brazil have announced their starting line-up for the match. Tite has notably made no changes to the team that beat South Korea in the Round of 16.

Tite is confident that his preferred starting XI will get the job done against Croatia today. Fans, though, are not on board with his decision to start Raphinha ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, Antony, and Rodrygo. One supporter wrote on Twitter:

Here are some more reactions to Tite's decision to start Raphinha against Croatia:

Raphinha is yet to register a goal or assist for Brazil during the FIFA World Cup. However, it remains to be seen if he can prove his doubters wrong by helping the five-time champions beat Croatia today.

How are Croatia lining up against Brazil in the FIFA World Cup?

Croatia progressed into the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in Group F. They then qualified for the quarter-finals by beating Japan on penalties.

Unlike Brazil, Zlatko Dalic has made two changes to the team that beat Japan today. Borna Sosa has returned to the starting line-up, with Borna Barisic dropping to the bench.

Meanwhile, Bruno Petkovic has also been relegated to the bench against Tite and company. Atalanta attacker Mario Pasalic has been included in the first XI instead.

Many consider Selecao to be the favorites to beat Croatia and move to the next round of the World Cup. However, it remains to be seen if Dalic's men can spring a surprise.

About the author

Dakir is a European and Indian football journalist at Sportskeeda with an overall experience of 10 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, and currently pursuing Master’s in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University, he is a seasoned football journalist who has interviewed the likes of former Liverpool star John Arne Riise, covered the entire 2022-23 Indian Super League season of the Kerala Blasters, and has delivered a seminar at an international conference held by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam.

Thanks to his extensive academic background in journalism, Dakir understands the importance of accuracy and spends a significant amount of time researching the subject. In today’s data-driven world of football, where players are perceived as machines, he prides himself amplify the voices of the people that make football the beautiful game that it is.

He started following football in 2013, and more specifically, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, and admires Jurgen Klopp for his untouched charisma and unmatched legacy. A perpetual underdog supporter, he is a fan of under-fire Reds forward Darwin Nunez and can’t wait for him to show the world what he truly is. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s iconic “corner taken quickly” corner assist for Divock Origi in Liverpool’s 4-0 UCL semifinal win over Barcelona left a lasting impact on him.

When not writing, Dakir enjoys indulging in his guilty pleasure - watching mass commercial movies.

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