PSG winger Lucas clings to World Cup hope

Rio de Janeiro, March 11 (IANS) Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura has not given up hope of playing in the World Cup for Brazil despite falling out of favour with Selecao coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Lucas, 21, once considered one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, has not been called up by Scolari since Brazil’s 2-0 friendly victory over Zambia last October.

But, having struggled early in the French Ligue 1 season, Moura has recaptured his best form in recent weeks and is once again a regular in Laurent Blanc’s starting lineup, reported Xinhua.

“I trust my football and my talent,” Lucas told Brazilian newspaper O Globo. “I have a clear conscience because I’m working hard. I am thinking positively.”

“Many things can still happen. In my opinion, Felipao (Scolari) still doesn’t have the 23 players in his head. I am going to do my best to be on the final list.”

Lucas has made 14 starts for PSG this season, scoring three goals and creating nine assists.

Brazil has a glut of attacking midfielders and Lucas knows he has fallen behind Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk) and Hulk (Zenit Saint Petersburg) in Scolari’s pecking order.

“Brazil has so many options in attack,” Lucas said. “When Felipao was testing players (last year), I wasn’t playing much at the time due to the strong competition at PSG. For that reason I lost my spot in the national team but I’m working as hard as I can to get back.”

Scolari is expected to name his World Cup squad May 7. Brazil has been drawn in Group A alongside Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon.