Ederson has joined the Brazil squad at the last minute after a late call-up. Can he go on and win the tournament?
After receiving a last-minute call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad, Ederson is aiming to contribute to the team’s charge for a record sixth trophy.
Ederson replaced Roma defender Wesley who suffered an injury.
It is a similar situation to Tyler Fletcher, who was called up by Scotland after a late injury to Billy Gilmour.
There is previous precedent for players being called into the World Cup at the last moment and winning the tournament. Here is a look at three cases.
Aldair (1994)
Aldair was a powerhouse centre-back during Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winning success, and he had a little fortune on his side.
Brazil called up Aldair before the tournament after centre-back Mozer suffered an injury. Another injury to Ricardo Gomes pushed him further up the queue.
Then in Brazil’s opening game against Russia, Ricardo Rocha limped off, and Aldair got his chance.
Aldair seized the opportunity and established a partnership alongside Marcio Santos on the way to Brazil triumphing against Italy in the 1994 Final, their fourth victory.
Shkodran Mustafi (2014)
Shkodran Mustafi was part of Germany’s preliminary squad who failed to make the cut for their tournament win in Brazil in 2014.
Then a heartbreaking late injury to Marco Reus gave Mustafi a reprieve. He was called up as a replacement, with Joachim Low deciding to bring in an extra defensive option.
Mustafi played in three matches in the tournament including Germany’s extra-time win against Algeria.
He suffered an injury in the game and could play no further part, but had made his contribution towards Germany’s success.
We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
Giuseppe Bergomi (1982)
One of the key players in Italy’s World Cup winning campaign in 1982 was teenage defender Giuseppe Bergomi.
After injuries in defence, Bergomi became the youngest ever Italian player at the time to be named in an Italian World Cup squad.
Bergomi began as a back-up, before Fulvio Collovati suffered an injury in a second round match. Bergomi started in the semi-final and final, and didn’t look back.
It was the start of a legendary career for the Inter Milan stalwart, who played more than 500 games for his club.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
