Bolivia vs Brazil - Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro to skipper Brazil against Bolivia
Posted Wednesday, October 04, 2017 by PA
Casemiro will captain Brazil in their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Thursday.
The Real Madrid midfielder has been handed the armband for the first time as coach Tite continues his rotation policy.
"It's an immense pride for me to be captain of the national team," Casemiro told a press conference.
"Just being here is already a source of pride. I have no words to describe how happy I am to be captain."
In March Brazil became the first team to join hosts Russia at next year's World Cup, securing their qualification with four matches to spare.
Nevertheless, they will be eager to pick up a first qualifying win in Bolivia since 1985 when they travel to the Estadio Hernando Siles on Thursday.
Tite also has an unbeaten competitive record to protect, having led his side to nine wins and one draw since his appointment in June 2016.
Bolivia, by contrast, cannot qualify after just four wins from their 16 matches left them second bottom of the group.
They did, however, pull off a shock 2-0 home win over Argentina, who were missing Lionel Messi through suspension.
Goalkeeper Carlos Lampe says they are determined to end an otherwise disappointing campaign on a high.
"I do not think winning Brazil will save the year, but what I want is to beat Brazil and give our people joy," he said at a press conference.
"Our goal is to say goodbye to our people in these qualifiers by beating Brazil.
"Again we are trying to make us strong in our home and we must keep it, we have beaten great teams like Chile and Argentina."
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