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Andre called up for Brazil’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers
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Midfielder has been impressing for Wolverhampton Wanderers
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He tells FIFA that Brazil are targeting a “special” window against Colombia and Argentina
Andre’s potential was clear for all to see when he made his first start for Wolverhampton Wanderers on 16 September 2024.
He attempted 40 passes in the home game against Newcastle. None of them went astray. And they were not all short passes to the side. He played long passes (five in total), one-twos and, in truth, a bit of everything. Without the ball, he was also strong in his duels.
The most impressive aspect of his performance, however, was the composure he showed to execute his technique. You might normally expect a new player coming in to take a while to adapt and to find some rhythm.
Particularly under the circumstances he found himself in – the month leading up to his Wolves debut had been nothing short of chaos. In August, the holding midfielder saw long negotiations between Fulham and Fluminense – his previous club – break down as no agreement could be reached. Then, Wolves suddenly announced his signing on the 28th, just two days before the Premier League transfer window was due to close.
Two days later, on the 31st, he found himself making his debut for his new club having not even trained with the team yet. After the game, he had barely left the stadium when he was back on a plane across the Atlantic, on his way to play for Brazil in their FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Andre’s strength and composure are some of the many qualities he possesses that made him a target for a number of Premier League clubs. He started to catch the eye while progressing rapidly in a successful Fluminense team as they became South American champions.
He is exactly the type of player the Brazilian national team are going to need as they resume their World Cup qualification campaign – they are preparing for what will be their most challenging window of the campaign, which sees them host Colombia in Brasilia on Thursday before travelling to Buenos Aires for a mouth-watering match against Argentina on the 25th.
Having still not quite hit their stride, Dorival Junior’s team are currently fifth in the table, which would see them automatically qualify for next year’s tournament.
“These games are going to be our toughest test yet”, admitted Andre, speaking to FIFA. “But we are more than capable of putting together two great performances. We have to focus on Colombia first. They’re a tough opponent, but we will have home advantage and all of our big players are performing at a high level for their clubs in Europe.”
The midfielder – who came through the Fluminense youth system – made reference to the excellent run of form of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo who, alongside Kylian Mbappe, have been leading the Real Madrid front line in another long UEFA Champions League campaign. He also mentioned Raphinha, who is currently enjoying the best spell of his career with Barcelona.
“It’s an honour being able to play alongside them. They’ll slot back in and we’ll have two good games. It’s also a massive honour being able to represent my country. So I hope this international window is a special one and that we can come away from it with two wins”, he said.
The talent that Head Coach Dorival Junior has at his disposal is undeniable. The challenge he faces now is trying to get them to gel as a unit, and to get the best out of them in what is a period of transition for the Seleção. This qualification campaign – which started under the management of Fernando Diniz – has so far seen Brazil win five games, draw three and lose four, scoring 17 goals and conceding 11 along the way.
Andre believes that the team are reaching a higher level of performance now, though.
“These qualifiers have been pretty tough so far, but I’m confident that, now that we have things in order, we are more than capable of having a good window this time round. I’m ready to help out my team-mates, for Brazil to get back to the top.”
Matheus Cunha rewarded for fine form
Heading off on international duty along with a Wolves team-mate is nothing new for Andre. The difference this time is that, instead of his midfield partner Joao Gomes, he is making the journey to the Brazilian capital alongside attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha.
The versatile and talented No10 from Paraiba has not represented his country since the defeat to Uruguay, in Montevideo, on 18 October 2023. Cunha already has 13 goals to his name in 26 Premier League matches this season. Over the whole of last season, he managed 12 goals in 32 games.
“Oh, I was so happy for him. He deserves the call-up for the way he’s been playing here at Wolves. Now I just hope he can continue his great form for Brazil, because we’re going to need it. They’re going to be two tough games.”
