Miranda named Brazil captain for Ecuador, Colombia fixtures

Brazil has a new leader on the pitch, naming Inter Milan defender Miranda as its captain after Neymar stepped down from the post.

At least, for now.

The Barcelona star gave up the captain's armband following Brazil's gold medal triumph at Rio 2016, and manager Tite has fallen back, once again, on Miranda, who skippered the side during the Copa America Centenario in Neymar's absence.

Miranda will now captain Brazil for a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador and Colombia, and while he was slated as the country's next permanent skipper, Tite admitted the decision may not be final.

"There are a lot of players who bring much to the captaincy, respect is one quality, as an example," Tite told reporters, as quoted by ESPN FC. "Miranda fits that profile, as do several other players. It is possible that in other matches, other players may be named to be captain."

Miranda will be asked to help guide Brazil back to its familiar position atop CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifying, though it seems the Selecao are quite far removed from the mantle. Brazil is currently sixth in the continent's table, behind Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

While Brazil's 2018 World Cup journey has only just begun, Tite will hope the ship steadies sooner rather than later; 12 matches remain in the qualifying stage and of the six already played, Brazil has picked up just two wins, overcoming minnows Venezuela and Peru.

In any case, Miranda's hoping to provide the right kind of guidance for a Brazil team that is once again undergoing a transformation under a new boss.

"The Selecao have many leaders, but once again I am happy to represent these leaders in the role of captain," Miranda said.