The 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 could end up having multiple heavyweight showdowns, including a possible clash between Brazil and Portugal. If Brazil tops Group G and Portugal finishes second in Group H or if Portugal wins its group while Brazil comes in at second in its group, then the two sides will square off in the World Cup round of 16.
This potential matchup could see five Paris Saint-Germain talents on the pitch, including Danilo Pereira. As Pereira told FIFA.com, he would much prefer to face off against PSG teammates Neymar and Marquinhos in the World Cup final instead.
“We have already discussed it,” Pereira said. “We will try to avoid that we finish first and them second or vice versa.
“I don’t think anyone really wants to see Portugal and Brazil face off in the round of 16. It’s a poster that is better suited to a final.”
In the case that Portugal and Brazil meet in the World Cup knockout stage, Pereira, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes sure would then have quite a challenge to help slow down Neymar.
For now, Pereira and Portugal will have an international friendly contest against Nigeria before they turn their attention to the World Cup group stage.