Igor Thiago is already living the dream.
The Brentford striker grew up in Brazil watching World Cups with his family and now it has become an “incredible” reality. Thiago, 24, only got his first call-up in March but after a sensational and prolific season in the Premier League he is in the Brazil squad and is already making an impact.
Brentford's penalty king - he simply doesn't miss - has taken his prowess from 12 yards to the international arena, scoring two in his first three games for his country and was mobbed by team-mates after scoring against Panama this week.
Thiago said: “I’ve been dreaming about this moment. When it happened, it took me a while to absorb what was happening because it’s Brazil, there’s something about that which makes it different. When I see the shirt, the Brazilian shirt with my name, there are no words to describe the feeling. You have to go through it to really understand.
