Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 at the Stade de France on Saturday night, with Vinicius Junior scoring the winning goal to secure the club their fifth Champions League title in the last nine seasons.

To celebrate the success, the players took the trophy on an open-top bus tour around Madrid on Sunday, which included stops at the Almudena Cathedral, regional government headquarters, City Hall, Plaza Cibeles and finally the Santiago Bernabeu.

Marcelo led the celebrations and broke into tears as he was presented to the crowd inside the stadium. The Brazilian has been at Real Madrid since 2007 and leaves this summer after collecting his fifth Champions League trophy.

“It is a wonderful moment in my life, I close a cycle here, at the best club in the world,” Marcelo said in a speech to the fans. “Today is not a day of sadness, it is a day of joy because we have won again, the best competition in the world.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had earlier told the team to turn their attention to winning a 15th European Cup next season.

“Real Madrid has made history again and here is our 14th European Cup and 35th LaLiga trophy,” Perez said at the regional government headquarters.

“This European Cup, won against a legendary club like Liverpool, will be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the Champions League.

“This club’s legend grows bigger and bigger. We have beaten four of the best teams in Europe by fighting and always believing until the end.

“It has been a wonderful season and it has been achieved in one of the most beautiful and difficult times in our history. Five Champions Leagues in eight years is something very difficult for football fans to forget from all over the world. Madrid is eternal. And now, let’s go for the 15th.”

‘Haven’t slept much’

Perez also praised Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who this season has become the first coach to win four European Cups and the first to win all five major European leagues.

“He symbolises what Real Madrid is,” said Perez.

Dressed in black suits, white shirts and black ties, the Real Madrid players paraded the Champions League and LaLiga trophies at each location, while also signing shirts, giving autographs and posing for photos with their adoring fans.

On top of the bus, the players put on Real Madrid shirts that had the number 14 and ‘Champions’ written on the back.

“I haven’t slept much, I had too much adrenaline to be able to sleep,” said Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper who was named Man of the Match in the final.

“I still couldn’t believe it, it’s an incredible feeling. For me it’s an honour to play for Real Madrid and I hope I can help the team win more.”

Thousands of fans gathered at Plaza Cibeles, the central square at the end of Gran Via, where the club traditionally celebrates its biggest successes around the statue of the goddess Cybele.

Marcelo tied a Real Madrid scarf around the statue’s crown, draped a flag around its neck and kissed its cheek, before hoisting the Champions League trophy to huge cheers.

Marcelo was wearing five large gold rings on his fingers, one for each of his Champions League victories.

The players took it turns to sing songs to the crowd while Eden Hazard made a pledge for next season. “It’s been three years of injuries and other things but next season I will do everything for you,” Hazard told the supporters.

The players then took the bus to the Santiago Bernabeu, where they were presented to the fans one by one.

Gareth Bale, who will leave this summer after a turbulent last few years at Real Madrid, was applauded and cheered by the supporters, with Bale applauding them in return.

“Thank you for all the support,” said Ancelotti in a short speech. “What a season, what a season. In this stadium, we’ve had a nice time, a really nice time. We are all Madridistas like you.”

The post Tearful Marcelo bids farewell as Real Madrid celebrate 14th European Cup appeared first on SportsClub.

Full-backs are key in the modern game – whether it’s Roberto Carlos and Cafu bombing down the flanks for Brazil back in the day, or natural centre-backs Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard being plugged out wide for France when they won the 2018 World Cup.

Naturally, there are fewer left-backs than right-backs – after all, there are fewer left-footers. But that doesn’t mean that the world isn’t awash with talent in that particular role: check out our pick of the top 10…

10. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Alphonso Davies may only be 19-years-old, he may not even be a natural left-back and he may have only been drafted into the position because a defensive crisis at Bayern Munich has shoehorned David Alaba into the centre – but he’s already proving himself as one of the best full-backs in Europe.

Davies is an excellent crosser of the ball and gets up to support play when Bayern attack, such are his natural instincts. His lightning speed, however, means that what he lacks in positional sense he more than makes up for in his ability to get back in time. After starring in the Bundesliga this season and putting in an excellent display against Chelsea in the Champions League, people are starting to sit up and take note of the young Canadian.

9. Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)

Leicester City have had an outstanding season, with two of the highlights being Ricardo Pereira at right-back and Ben Chilwell on the opposite flank. Chilwell, in particular, has drawn a lot of attention from some of the traditional big boys of the Premier League, with the likes of Manchester City apparently interested in his signature.

Chilwell isn’t just good going forward, Harvey Barnes has been helped hugely by having an overlap from Chilwell this season. The 23-year-old is an excellent defender too; he’s superb in transition, and along with Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans, has formed one of the most formidable back fours in the Premier League.

8. Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

With the likes of Alex Grimaldo, Ricardo Pereira, and Joao Cancelo available, Portugal have a rich choice when it comes to full-backs. French-born Raphael Guerreiro is another solid option on the left-hand side of the defence, and has been in excellent form for Borussia Dortmund this season.

Guerreiro has been deployed as a midfielder for a lot of his time at Signal Iduna Park, but now 26, he’s found a home for himself at left-back under Lucien Favre. He’s a confident passer of the ball, supports attacks well and has excellent stamina. Guerreiro is one of the most reliable members of the Dortmund side and just approaching his peak.

7. Juan Bernat (Paris Saint-Germain)

Another left-back who enjoyed a spell in Germany, Juan Bernat was signed by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich from Valencia. Now at Paris Saint-Germain with Thomas Tuchel, the Spaniard has ousted Layvan Kurzawa from first-choice contention and secured a regular spot in the side.

A converted left-winger, Bernat still has the instinct to get forward whenever he can to support the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at PSG. Having worked with Guardiola during a phase of his career where he began experimenting with full-backs a little more – the Catalan boss would frequently use Philipp Lahm in midfield and started inverting his full-backs to push midfielders forward – Bernat has picked up a more rounded understanding of the game.

Tuchel’s game relies on intelligent players who can play a variety of systems and Bernat is one such player who is capable of excelling in a multitude of situations.

6. David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

He’s played in midfield, he’s been a full-on holding midfielder, and given Bayern’s recent treatment table pile-up, he’s slotted into central defence alongside Jerome Boateng. But everyone knows David Alaba as a left-back, and he’s still one of the best in the world.

Alaba’s positional sense, vision and ability to break up attacks are the envy of many midfielders, let alone left-backs. The Austrian has been one of the most consistent footballers in the Bundesliga for years now and is perennially linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea. He may be a centre-back for now, but he’s still a world-class left-back to everyone.

5. Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Marcelo was key to Real Madrid’s “threepeat”. Los Blancos were able to pack the midfield in big games in the Champions League, with the Brazilian left-back marauding forward to support the attack with pinpoint balls into the middle and one of the most sumptuous first touches that football has ever seen.

The 31-year-old may be showing signs of slowing down now but he’s still a force of nature in the Real Madrid side. Marcelo has one of the best engines in the game and still offers Real another attacking option when they’re in possession. He’s arguably the greatest in his position ever.

4. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)

From one Real Madrid left-back to another, Marcelo’s replacement, Ferland Mendy, has made waves since joining the Bernabeu last summer from Lyon.

Mendy is a proficient defender, is pacy and has proven himself to offer a useful overlap for Madrid. The 24-year-old is still learning his trade at Real too; he’s a good few years off his peak and already one of the bright sparks of the season. With Eden Hazard ahead of him too, Mendy will be looking to form a solid partnership down Real’s left flank when the Belgian comes back from injury.

3. Alex Sandro (Juventus)

Maurizio Sarri likes his full-backs to get high up the pitch and support the attack, while the centre-backs play out from the back and move the ball vertically. The Juventus boss has arguably never had a left-back as competent as Alex Sandro, either.

Sandro is a great defender, excellent in transition and a useful option on the left wing. He combines well with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Juve team and on the occasion that Aaron Ramsey comes into the side – and Sarri opts to reshuffle into a 4-3-1-2, with the Welshman as a trequartista behind a front two – The Old Lady rely on Sandro for his width in the side.

The Brazilian has been one of the most coveted defenders in Serie A for years now, and with another good season under his belt, Juventus will face another battle to hold onto him when the transfer window reopens.

2. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Left-back was an issue not long ago for Jurgen Klopp, who spent a season using James Milner as a makeshift defender. Since Liverpool signed Andrew Robertson though, the back four has become the strength of the team with both the Scot and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank not only proving themselves to be competent defenders but becoming huge sources of creativity in the side.

Robertson – the better defender of the two – has established himself as his country’s captain and the best left-back in the league in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool. The 26-year-old registered 11 assists in the Premier League last season, as the Reds racked up 95 points.

1. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Jordi Alba began his career at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy but was released during his youth. After showing Barca what they were missing while at Valencia though, Alba went back to Camp Nou in 2012 – and hasn’t looked back since.

In a team consisting of Lionel Messi, Frenkie De Jong and Antoine Griezmann, Alba isn’t the flashiest star on the team sheet, but his consistency over the past eight years has been astonishing, with Barcelona not really having a back-up for him last season. Alba has established himself as a formidable defender and an option in the final third that most clubs would take further forward, too; proving himself to be the complete full-back for club and country.

The post Ranked: Top 10 best left-backs in the world appeared first on SportsClub.

The Brazil international wants to leave PSG this summer and has been linked with both El Clasico giants.

Real have already splashed out large amounts in the market to bring in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao, and a deal for Neymar would require a substantial outlay.

However, Marcelo is eager to see his Brazil team-mate join him at the Bernabeu and even insisted that he would be an upgrade on their marquee signing from Chelsea.

‘Neymar’s an unpredictable player,’ the left-back told Marca.

‘When a defender has anticipated something, he’s already thought of something else and he’s impossible to defend.

‘Having Neymar at Real Madrid would be a huge pleasure. Madrid have to do everything to sign the best players in the world and his past at Barcelona wouldn’t be a problem.’

He added: ‘Eden’s a top player. A player of high quality and, like Neymar, he has the quality to be in the top five.

‘He’s impressive. You can’t compare them, but Neymar is better for me.’

“Last time Barcelona won the treble, they had Messi, Neymar and Suarez.”

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter explains why Lionel Messi is driving Barcelona’s deal for Neymar…🏎

Listen to the #TransferTalk podcast: https://t.co/CwBtlBETyT
Subscribe: https://t.co/c5nOMwZuMo pic.twitter.com/mNjzQaEQG3

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 19, 2019

The post Marcelo: Neymar is better than Hazard appeared first on SportsClub.

Madrid crashed to the heaviest home defeat in any European competition in the club’s illustrious history, the three-time reigning Champions League winners stunned 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Fedor Chalov, Georgy Schennikov and Arnor Sigurdsson condemned Madrid to a forgettable night in the Spanish capital, though Wednesday’s result had no impact on Marcelo and his teammates finishing top of Group G.

Reflecting on the sixth and final match-day before the last 16, Madrid star Marcelo told reporters: ‘I don’t think it’s an attitude problem.

‘We never take to the pitch with the wrong attitude, but perhaps some of our play may have been interpreted like that [against CSKA].

‘You always have to play with desire at Real Madrid. There’s a long time until the last 16, we must improve and change the image we’ve given of ourselves. We have to be motivated and flying high at the Bernabeu.

Marcelo added: ‘We always want to win and give a good account of ourselves, but sadly we weren’t able to do that. We had several chances in the first half, we had so many shots on goal, but they had three and scored three goals and they deserve the win.

‘We have to keep working hard. Every game is different, you play one way with one teammate or another, and these defeats happen in football.”

It was a tense atmosphere in Madrid, where the team – especially Isco – were jeered and whistled at during the second half.

Asked about the whistles, Marcelo said: ‘When the fans whistle, it’s clear that you have to change something and the fans have every right to do it.

‘We’re hurt, but we’re a team and we’re going to work so that it doesn’t happen again. We’re not happy because we can’t play like today and put on a show like that. We tried to give it a good go, but the match didn’t go as we expected.

‘At Real Madrid you have to fight until the end. It was difficult to come back from 3-0, although we tried until the final whistle,’ he concluded.

Photo: FourFourTwo

The post Marcelo: Real Madrid don’t have an attitude problem appeared first on SportsClub.

The Real Madrid centre-back was in discomfort during Thursday’s 3-2 Nations League defeat again Croatia in Zagreb, a match in which he scored from the penalty spot.
Consequently, Spain announced on Twitter that Ramos will leave the squad ahead of Sunday’s contest.

It remains to be seen if Ramos will be fit for Madrid’s return to LaLiga action against Eibar on November 24, but his absence would cause another headache for head coach Santiago Solari.

Sergio Reguilon, Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Casemiro are already absent, while Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane are also struggling with injury.

Spain’s defeat means they must hope England and Croatia draw at Wembley on Sunday if Luis Enrique’s men are to reach the last four of the Nations League.

Photo: FourFourTwo

The post Injured Ramos to leave Spain squad appeared first on SportsClub.

The Buccaneers last beat the Rise and Shine in 2015 but followed that up with a seven-game winless run against the men from Limpopo which came to an end on Tuesday night as goals from Marcelo da Silva and Justin Shonga fired the Soweto giants to a 2-1 win.

Despite changing much of his starting line-up, due to Pirates’ participation in the Telkom Knockout just 72 hours before the clash against City, Sredojevic managed to guide his team to a vital three points ahead of their clash against title rivals Sundowns

‘After the Telkom Knockout we came here 72 hours [after] to play the game. We had an imbalanced squad, five of them that were having fresh legs and five of them with the match-fitness from Saturday,’ Sredojevic told SuperSport TV.

The Serbian coach then proceeded to give his outlook on the game, ‘First half we didn’t start well. The opponent was dominating in the first 15 minutes. We were cagey in the first half, limited chances, limited space.

‘At halftime we sorted out what we were supposed to sort – to provide the numbers going forward. Scoring that goal we could wrap up the game, scoring the second goal I’m so happy for [Justin] Shonga, he’s so much under pressure. But in the last three games he assisted three goals and scored one goal. This is extra contribution.’

‘The instructions were clear that we don’t defend by sitting back but by possessing the ball. And when you possess the opponent is rushing to chase the result. You’re making mistakes, this is how the corner came and we conceded that goal.

‘These three points mean a lot to us especially as since 2015 Pirates have not beaten Polokwane [City] so even that mental hill we jumped over and succeeded. The win means a lot to us because confidence you can get only by winning,’ concluded Sredojevic.

The post Sredojevic hails mental victory over Polokwane City appeared first on SportsClub.

Lopetegui is rumoured to be on the brink of the sack at the Santiago Bernabeu after a dismal run in all competitions, but there was a timely victory for the reigning Champions League holders on Tuesday, albeit in unconvincing fashion.

While Plzen largely gave as good as they got, the recalled Benzema crucially broke the deadlock, scoring in a 14th consecutive Champions League season with a powerful early header.

A second from Marcelo followed, yet Patrik Hrosovsky pulled a goal back and Barcelona, Madrid’s next opponents, would certainly have identified weaknesses ahead of El Clasico, which could have a huge bearing on Lopetegui’s future.

Benzema provided a rare clinical moment in a first half packed with wasted chances, storming onto Lucas Vazquez’s cross to open the scoring after 11 minutes.

Sergio Ramos had already nodded against the post and both Benzema and Isco failed to add to Madrid’s advantage, the latter twice passing up opportunities inside the area.

There were clear openings at the other end too, though, with Plzen preying on Vazquez’s poor positioning at right-back and going close on three occasions through Milan Petrzela, David Limbersky and Hrosovsky, who failed to hit the target with the goal gaping.

Jeers from the home crowd greeted missed chances at either end, the Madrid fans frustrated by their own side’s profligacy and the ease with which their opponents marched forwards, while the early substitution of Isco was unpopular too.

Gareth Bale’s flick teed up Marcelo for a dinked second goal to prompt some belated cheer in the stands, but Hrosovsky’s long run and finish ensured a tense conclusion for both the supporters and Lopetegui, who would have been relieved to see his men claim three points.

What it means: A nervy few days for Lopetegui

Despite his pre-match protestations, Lopetegui must know he is in trouble. Some reports suggested the coach would be sacked regardless of the result against Plzen and, although his side won, this was not a performance that is likely to change many minds in Madrid. It is still not a given that Lopetegui will make it to Sunday’s Clasico.

Benzema joins elite group with crucial goal

French forward Benzema netted in a 14th consecutive Champions League campaign on Tuesday. The only other two to achieve that feat? Lionel Messi and Raul. Dropped to the bench at the weekend, Benzema was wasteful at times against Plzen but his header at least eased the early tension.

Vazquez out of position and out of his depth

Lopetegui knew this was a game he and Madrid needed to win, but that did not necessarily mean the holders needed to go for broke. Selecting Vazquez at right-back was a strange choice and it very nearly cost the coach, his nominal winger exposed time and time again, rescued only by poor Plzen finishing.

What’s next?

For Madrid, it is the big one. With or without Lopetegui, they face Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday. Plzen have slightly more modest opponents in the form of Slovacko this weekend.

The post Real Madrid end winless streak appeared first on SportsClub.

Madrid won their third consecutive European title with thanks to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev, Gareth Bale netting a brace.

Bale did not make the cut of players voted for by coaches of the 32 teams from the 2017-18 Champions League group stage and 55 journalists representing each of UEFA’s member nations, with Ronaldo, Messi and Salah the attackers put forward.

Keylor Navas may have his position at Madrid under serious threat following the signing of Thibaut Courtois but is nominated in the goalkeeping category alongside Alisson and Gianluigi Buffon.

Madrid have a clean sweep among the defenders in the shape of Marcelo, Raphael Varane and captain Sergio Ramos, while only Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne – accompanying Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – prevents a similar scenario for the midfielders.

NOMINEES: 2017/18 #UCL Midfielder of the Season

⭐️ @lukamodric10
⭐️ @DeBruyneKev
⭐️ @ToniKroos

🗓️ #UEFAawards winners announced at the #UCLdraw, 30 August 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MfLlDpD215

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 9, 2018

The three nominees for the Europa League Player of the Season award are drawn from the final and continue the Spanish theme.

Atletico Madrid duo Antoine Griezmann and Diego Godin have been named alongside Marseille’s Dimitri Payet.

Godin lifted the trophy after Griezmann scored twice in a 3-0 win over the Ligue 1 side in Lyon.

The winners will be announced at the respective Champions League and Europa League group stage draws in Monaco on August 30 and 31.

UEFA Champions League positional awards nominations in full:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma, now Liverpool), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, now Paris Saint-Germain), Keylor Navas (Real Madrid).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Luka Modric (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, now Juventus), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

The post Messi, Ronaldo and Salah up for UCL awards appeared first on SportsClub.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio (Portugal)
The Portuguese stopper had to be on top of his game to keep out a determined Morocco side in his team’s 1-0 win. Patricio pulled off a number of top-class saves to keep Portugal’s lead in-tack to get his clean sheet and help his side edge towards the last-16 in the process.

Right back: Thomas Meunier (Belgium)
Deployed as a right-wing back by Belgium, Meunier terrorised the Tunisian left flank in their 5-2 victory over the North African side. Not only did the Paris Saint-Germain man offer a defensive stability but he also got forward to great affect and even got himself an assist when his delightful ball was latched onto by Lukaku for Belgium’s third.

READ: Messi and the complexity of his greatness

Centre back: John Stones (England)
Stones was one of the stars of England’s record 6-1 win over Panama. The Manchester City man bagged himself a brace after scoring both the first and fourth goals, which both came from set-pieces. Not only was Stones a constant threat from set-pieces, but he was also calm and composed with the ball at his feet, adding to England’s possession-based style.

Centre back: Yerri Mina (Colombia)
The Barcelona man put in a star performance to help guide his team to a 3-0 victory over Poland. Not only did he perform valiantly at the back, ensuring that Robert Lewandowski remained quiet, but he also scored the important breakthrough goal when he headered home a James Rodriguez cross to keep his sides World Cup hopes alive.

Left-back: Marcelo (Brazil)

The Real Madrid star was at his marauding best in his side’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica as he offered his team the sort of threat we have become so accustomed to seeing from the Brazilian. Marcelo was also quick to snuff out any danger while defending, helping his side keep a clean sheet, and offered an attacking threat throughout.

ALSO READ: Messi is frustrated and hungry – Mascherano

Right midfield: Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)
The Stoke City man made all the headlines as his last-minute goal gave his side a 2-1 win over Serbia. After watching his side concede an early goal, Shaqiri turned on the style. The winger hit the post early on in the second half before Granit Xhaka scored a cracking equaliser. The former Bayern Munich winger was then slipped through on goal in the dying seconds, he kept his composure to beat the goalkeeper and gave his side a famous victory. Shaqiri may been in hot water for his controversial goal celebration, but that is not enough to keep him out of this Team of the Round.

Centre midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)
The Barcelona man put in yet another standout performance to help his Brazil team past Costa Rica. The Midfielder offered guile and trickery throughout as he attempted to unlock the stubborn Costa Rican defence. Finally, in the first minute of added time, Coutinho’s persistence paid off as he reacted quickest to a Gabriel Jesus knockdown to poke the ball past Keylor Navas and give his team the lead. Brazil scored another late goal through Neymar to put the result beyond doubt.

Centre midfield: Luka Modric (Croatia)
The Croatian midfield maestro put in a memorable performance as he bossed the midfield battle to help earn his side a famous 3-0 win over Argentina. The Real Madrid man combined with Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brazovic to starve the Argentines of the ball, keeping their dangerous forwards isolated throughout. Modric capped off a brilliant performance when his long-range screamer doubled his side’s lead before Rakitic’s late third rounded off the scoring.

Left midfield: Eden Hazard (Belgium)
The Belgium skipper put in a real captain’s performance as he led his side to a 5-2 win over Tunisia. Hazard opened the scoring early on, converting a penalty which he won himself, before his second just after half-time gave his side a 4-1 lead. Hazard looks to be hitting top form as his side look forward to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
The Manchester United striker scored his second consecutive brace in his sides comprehensive win over Tunisia. Lukaku latched onto a Dries Mertens pass to double his side’s advantage after Hazard’s penalty gave them an early lead. Tunisia hit back with a goal of their own before Luakau dealt the African side a damaging blow by scoring his side’s third goal with the last kick off the first half. The striker was taken off with 30 minutes to play, denying him the chance of a World Cup hat-trick.

ALSO READ: Pogba reveals ‘issues’ with Mourinho

Striker: Harry Kane (England)
Kane was the star man in England’s 6-1 rout of Panama, scoring a hat-trick to take his World Cup total to five goals and place him in the lead of the race for the Golden Boot. The England captain scored his side’s second and fifth goals both from the penalty spot, as his side went into half-time well in control. The Tottenham Hotspur man may have had a huge strike of luck with his third goal, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot deflected off the striker to loop over the keeper, but that would not bother Kane who’s first World Cup hat-trick seals his spot in the Team of the Round.

The post World Cup Team of the Round appeared first on SportsClub.

The 30-year-old fullback is set to skipper the Selecao when they face Switzerland in a Group E clash in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday.

Brazil are among the favourites to win the finals in Russia, with an expectant nation hoping Tite’s side can seal the country’s sixth World Cup triumph.

Watch: Croatia down Super Eagles

Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the pressure weighing down on the players, Marcelo is embracing his prestigious role.

‘It’s something I like about leadership, I feel I can transmit it to the group,’ he said.

‘Everybody contributes to the group. I’m 30 years old and everything you go through in football, you take something from it.

‘Way back as a child playing football on the beach, you dream of being a player representing your national team on the big stage, and now I get to be the captain.

‘It’s something money can’t buy.’

READ: Salah declared fit to face Russia

Ahead of their campaign beginning this weekend, Brazil have been unable to escape reminders of the humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-finals of the tournament on home soil four years ago.

Marcelo, though, is adamant he does not dwell on the extraordinary thrashing in Belo Horizonte.

‘These are things that happen in football,’ he said.

ALSO READ: Neymar is ready to shine for Brazil – Tite

‘Of course I wish it were different. There’s no trauma, if there was trauma I wouldn’t play football any more, I would have retired.

‘I look for a goal and I try to keep my focus on it. The World Cup is another challenge, tomorrow there’s another one.

‘To not get hurt is one, to train without pain is a challenge, to change from my club to the national team. Life is made up of challenges.

‘There’s no trauma. Even the good things don’t go to my head and I don’t let the bad things affect me.’

The post Brazil captain, Marcelo living World Cup dream appeared first on SportsClub.