[Tim]

ULSAN, South Korea (Reuters) - Diminutive midfielder Juninho looks likely to win a place in the Brazil side for their opening World Cup match against Turkey.

Juninho, who scored in Saturday's 4-0 win over Malaysia, has been included in the first team against the reserves in a training session, a firm indication that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari plans to field him in Monday's group C game.

Juninho replaced Kleberson, who had a disappointing match on Saturday after being named as a surprise starter.

The inclusion of Juninho would give Brazil a second creative player in midfield alongside Ronaldinho, who in the last three friendlies has appeared in need of support.

Kleberson and Gilberto Silva, who played in the previous two games, are more defensive players.

Scolari persisted with his much-criticised 3-5-2 formation in the practice but switched to 4-4-2 late in the game, which the first team one 4-1.

Juninho was included in the squad despite a disappointing year with his club side Flamengo. He missed the 1998 World Cup, which was held shortly after he had recovered from a broken ankle.

 

[kaiserh]

I am very happy for him.He deserves to be in the first team.

 

[milano77]

Guyz could anybody give me some feedback on this guy. I really am ignorant on his front. he certainly is a better perspective than Kleberson. I am saying this on the basis of the limited info I have on these two guys. I maybe wrong. If so plz correct me.

thanx in advance.

Ciao

 

[Tim]

Over the past four years Juninho Paulista has played for Atletico Madrid, Middlebrough, Vasco da Gama, and Flamengo. He is a creative, attack-minded midfielder, often underrated for his small size. He is great at bridging the gap between the midfield and the attack, and even scores a few goals of his own. In my opinion, he is an important addition to the squad.

 

[kaiserh]

You could check Juninho Paulista in Ze's masterpiece at
http://www.xtratime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57406

 

[Gaetan]

Juninho Paulista was on the best form of his life coming on to France 1998 but a horrible tackle ended all of his hopes of going to play for Brazil, He was going to be one of the key players for the Selecao. I am so happy to see him getting a starting linuep spot to make up for that horrible nightmare he had to go trough because of a careless freaky tackle. :depress: :groan:

Juninho's only bad thing is in the past he has had problem tactically with Brazil and I hope Big Phil has fixed that only weakness of his, I do think he'll perform very good though and it won't bother him much.

 

[Ze da Fiel]

Best for of his life was not before WC 98


It was in 95 and in 2000!

 

[Romario11]

now we can optimistic with juninho instead of kleberson or gilberto silva, brasil will look more convincing in midfield.