Weverton, after a scare, seeks to do what Marcos could not do at the Worlds

Minutes before Palmeiras’ debut at the 2021 World Cup, last Tuesday (9), former goalkeeper Marcos posted a message on social media saying he was nervous. “If you’re tense, you can’t imagine how I am. An achievement like that would take away a weight I’ve carried for many years. I learned to live with it, but deep down, it bothers me. I can’t do anything else. I just hope and pray.”

The idol alviverde, now 48 years old, was referring to the mistake he made in the 1999 decision in Japan, where the alviverde team lost the intercontinental title 1-0 to Manchester United. After Ryan Giggs’ cross from the left, the goalkeeper jumped and didn’t find the ball. Roy Keane pushed her into the empty net.

Marcos remained at Palmeiras throughout his victorious football career, but he never got the chance to play for the world title for the club. “I’ve spent my career trying to come back and try to redeem myself from a mistake and a debt I owe our fans,” said the former archer, who now plays his chips at Weverton.

The 34-year-old Acre is responsible for defending the green goal in the United Arab Emirates. If he doesn’t have the appeal that the old predecessor had with the fans, the result of his charisma and years of dedication to the same shirt, he is one of the references of the cast and player of the Brazilian team.

“He has been very important for Palmeiras for several years. He has made incredible saves in different moments that we have been through. He is an exceptional goalkeeper”, said defender Gustavo Gómez, who did not hesitate when asked which player in the position he would choose: his partner or Chelsea’s Mendy named best goalkeeper in the world.

“Weverton, without a doubt. I know how hard he worked to be where he is today. He won two Libertadores, he is in the Brazil national team. He is so important to us”, praised the Paraguayan, who would put his colleague ahead of any other. “It doesn’t matter what name you say. I wouldn’t trade Weverton for any goalkeeper.”

It is with the confidence of his teammates and fans that the athlete goes to one of his most important games. In the semifinals, against Al Ahly, there was a scare. The Brazilian released an easy ball in a weak shot from outside the area. Sherif took advantage, which would have left the score at 2-1 had it not been for the intervention of the video referee.

With the late marking of the offside, Palmeiras maintained their 2-0 lead over the Egyptians and advanced to the decision. Against Chelsea, Weverton hopes to avoid another failure of the type to redeem Marcos and the Alviverde fans, eager for the world title.