By David Gold
July 25 – Rafael Cabral has been forced to withdraw from Brazil’s Olympic men’s football squad with an elbow injury.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the news, with the team’s other goalkeeper, Fiorentina’s Neto (pictured below), likely to take Cabral’s (pictured top) place.
Nineteen-year-old Gabriel has been brought into Mano Menezes’ 18 man squad, while Renan Ribeiro of Atletico Mineiro has been called up as backup incase of injury to either.
“I’ll always be ready,” Neto said.
“For he who prepares well and is focused there can be no room for doubts.
“The competition is almost upon us and is about to start, we can not spend much time feeling sorry.
“We’ve got to get over it, lift our heads and seek that gold medal for Rafael.”
Brazil kick off their Olympic campaign against Egypt on Thursday at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
They also face Belarus and New Zealand in their group, and are favourites to win what would be their first ever gold medal at the Olympics.
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