Miranda: Brazilian who chose to play in defence to honour his brother

The Inter centre-back, still sore at being overlooked for the 2014 World Cup, was six when his brother died in an accident

This article is part of the Guardian’s 2018 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 32 countries who have qualified for Russia. theguardian.com is running previews from two countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 14 June.

What on earth could persuade a Brazilian kid to play in defence? Some will tell you a lack of dribbling ability cost them a more attacking role; others will say their coach was taken by their physique and gave them little option. For Miranda it was rather different. The Internazionale player, now 33, made the choice in homage to a fallen brother.

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