Roma right-back Douglas Maicon told Felipao Scolari he “was born ready” when picked for Brazil-Colombia.
The veteran had not started a single game in the World Cup before he was thrown in for the quarter-final instead of Dani Alves.
Roma right-back Douglas Maicon told Felipao Scolari he “was born ready” when picked for Brazil-Colombia.
The veteran had not started a single game in the World Cup before he was thrown in for the quarter-final instead of Dani Alves.
“We had a conversation the day before the game and he asked if I was ready, but didn’t say that I was going to play,” Maicon told Globo TV.
“I said to Scolari that I was born ready. I only found out for sure I was going to play at the meeting before we left for the stadium.”
Brazil won 2-1 and will now face Germany in the semi-final on Tuesday night.
“We scored an early goal and it was important to help calm the players, especially me, as it was my first start.
“There were many more scoring opportunities, but we didn’t make the most of them and in the second half started to suffer under pressure. That must not happen.
“We fought hard and earned the victory, as the most important thing was getting through this round.
“Now we must study Germany carefully to ensure we are not surprised by any combination of players they use.”