After what could have been one of the highest-profile goalkeeper mistakes since Robert Green fumbled Clint Dempsey's shot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Brazil could have their own goalkeeping controversy to deal with at this year's Copa America.
The 23-year-old Alisson, backstopping La Seleção in his first major tournament, committed an enormous gaffe in Saturday's opener against Ecuador when, in the 67th minute, he misplayed Miller Bolaños' cross into his own net at the near post. Because the assistant referee ruled ball had gone out of play before the cross was delivered, the goal was not allowed and the game finished 0-0. But the moment has surely shaken Brazilian confidence in what has recently become an unstable position.
After former Toronto FC goalkeeper Júlio César retired from the international stage following the 2014 World Cup, Jefferson became the No. 1 goalkeeper at last year's Copa America. After a costly mistake in World Cup qualifying last October against Chile, however, he was replaced by Alisson – who entered this year's Copa America with just five career caps.
When head coach Dunga decided to not recall Jefferson at all after his error against Chile, even as a backup, the manager told Brazilian newspaper O Dia, “Soccer is about being in the moment. We are giving opportunities to many players, some young and others who are experienced. It’s going to be up to Jefferson when he will be back with the national team.”
In Orlando, where Brazil was training in advance of Wednesday's game against Haiti (7:30pm ET | FS1, Univision, UDN), Dunga was asked whether he intends to replace Alisson after his error.
"He's our starter now but that can change," the coach said. "There are no set players in The Seleção.”
Should Dunga decide he wants to make a change at keeper, his backups don't offer much in the way of experience: Diego Alves and Marcelo Grohe – have only 11 combined caps at the senior level.
Diego Alves, who will turn 31 just before the Copa America Final, is the most-capped goalkeeper on the roster, with nine. He has, however, been plagued by knee injuries and the last time he played internationally was Nov. 18, 2014, in a 2-1 friendly victory against Austria. A keeper for Spanish side Valencia during the last five years, Diego Alves is known throughout Europe for his ability to stop penalty kicks.
Grohe, 29, has played since 2005 with Brazilian side Gremio, and has only two caps. He was part of the squad – but did not play – at last year's Copa America in Chile, and only made his debut on Sept. 5, 2015, in a 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. He was called up as an injury replacement for 22-year-old Benfica goalkeeper Ederson, who has yet to make his senior debut.
Alisson rose up through the youth ranks at Internacional, debuting for the club's first team in 2013 at the age of 20, and only became the full-time starter last year. He signed a pre-contract with Roma to join the club on a 7.5 million-Euro transfer this summer.
Both Alisson and Ederson are age-eligible for the 2016 Olympics, which could be a motivating factor if Dunga elects to keep Alisson in the lineup for Wednesday's match.
