(Reuters) – Brazil forward Marta is set to play at her sixth World Cup after being named in Pia Sundhage’s squad for the tournament starting on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Six-time FIFA World player of the year Marta will lead Brazil’s quest for a first Women’s World Cup title alongside other experienced players such as Debinha, Tamires and Andressa Alves.
However, the former U.S. and Sweden coach does not guarantee that the all-time Women’s World Cup top scorer will feature in the starting lineup.
“Marta is the queen, she is an icon. Just being around her is contagious,” said Sundhage on Tuesday.
“If she will be in the starting lineup I don’t know, not yet. She will play the role I will give her and I am sure she will do well.”
Brazil will start a training camp this week and face Chile in a farewell friendly on Sunday before travelling to Australia.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Leticia Izidoro (Corinthians), Barbara (Flamengo), Camila (Santos)
Defenders: Antonia (Levante), Bruninha (Gotham FC), Kathellen (Real Madrid), Lauren (Madrid CFF), Monica Hickman (Madrid CFF), Rafaelle (Arsenal), Tamires (Corinthians)
Midfielders: Duda Sampaio (Corinthians), Kerolin (North Carolina Courage), Luana (Corinthians), Adriana (Orlando Pride), Ana Vitoria (Benfica), Ary Borges (Racing Louisville)
Forwards: Andressa Alves (AS Roma), Geyse (Barcelona), Nycole (Benfica), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Gabi Nunes (Madrid CFF), Marta (Orlando Pride)
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Toby Davis)
