Andreas Pereira created history last night, by becoming the first foreign-born player to represent the Brazilian national team in over 100 years, during a 5-0 win over El Salvador in Maryland, USA.
United’s no.15 was introduced as a substitute in the 70th minute, replacing Barcelona midfielder Arthur with the score at 4-0.
Pereira was born in Duffel in Belgium, but qualifies for Brazil due to the nationality of his father, who was also a former professional footballer. In making his debut, he is confirmed as the first player born outside of Brazil to don the national shirt since Francisco Police in 1918, and only the fourth in Selecao history.
“Do you know that dream that doesn’t stop pulsing with your heart? Yeah… that shirt… that shield is my dream every day. Thank God for this opportunity!”
“My ultimate dream is to play for the first team of Brazil and win a World Cup. That’s my biggest dream.”
Last night, Pereira achieved the first element of that dream, having patiently waited for a second opportunity in this latest international break - he had watched Saturday's 2-0 win over USA from the bench.
Pereira’s historic achievement completed a pleasing evening for United’s international stars in general. His compatriot Fred was also involved in Brazil’s match with El Salvador at FedEx Field, coming on at half-time to replace Real Madrid’s Casemiro.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford netted the only goal in England’s match against Switzerland at the King Power Stadium in Leicester – his second strike in two games for the Three Lions – while Romelu Lukaku bagged two in Belgium’s 3-0 victory over Iceland.