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Bruno Guimaraes issues Brazil ‘respect’ warning as Newcastle United star ready for World Cup test
The Newcastle captain is expected to star for his country when they get their World Cup campaign under way tonight
Bruno Guimaraes and Brazil face Morocco tonight(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes insists his Brazil team-mates won’t take Morocco lightly when they kick-off their World Cup campaign tonight in New York.
The Magpies star is expected to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as they get Group C under way, with an 11pm kick-off UK time.
With Scotland and Haiti making up the group, Brazil are strong favourites to progress, with many marking them out as tournament favourites.
After a disappointing end to the season with Newcastle, Bruno is hoping for international glory, but knows they cannot take Morocco lighty.
Brazil only finished fifth in the South American World Cup qualiying table, behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay, but he has insists the Brazil squad should also demand more respect from doubters as their World Cup bid begins.
“Morocco are a very good team, honestly. We have to give them all the respect they deserve,” Guimaraes said ahead of tonight’s match in New York. “We hope to play our best football and win the match.”
“No one else has five stars on their shirt like Brazil. We have great players playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Our players deserve respect.”
Brazil come into the tournament on the back of two friendly wins, beating Panama 6-2 and recording a 2-1 victory over Egypt in a game Bruno opened the scoring.
Those results have lifted the spirits in the camp somewhat, and Bruno admits they are now fully focused on the next few weeks, although he took time to send a message to the injured Wesley, who has been forced to pull out of the squad.
“We are more confident after those two matches,” he added. “When the World Cup starts, everyone forgets what happened before.
“We hope to begin with a win because that will give us a strong foundation for the rest of the tournament.
“Playing at a World Cup is the peak of our careers. We hope Wesley recovers quickly.
“Now we have an extra reason to give everything on the pitch.”
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
