Naturalising the enemy - Brazil's search for a striker continues

This week 93% of Globo readers agreed that naturalising 27-year-old Argentine striker Lucas Pratto was something Brazil should consider.

The debate was sparked by news that the Atletico Mineiro forward, who has bagged 12 goals in 29 appearances in the Brazilian first division, was due to apply for Brazilian citizenship in January.

“I will always be Argentine,” he told Globo. 

“[My forthcoming] naturalisation is for my personal life, not so much for my future in the national team. It's so my family can get passports.”

Under Fifa regulations he would not be eligible for Brazil until 2020, however, as Pratto has no family ties to Brazil and so must complete five years in the country before he would be available for selection.

That would be a full 100 years since the last time an Argentine represented Brazil. In 1920 an inflammatory newspaper article days before an Argentina vs Brazil clash in Buenos Aires resulted in half the Brazil team refusing to play, leaving local players to make up the numbers before an incensed local crowd quickly put a stop to it.

A century on, that Brazilian fans would react favourably to the possibility of an Argentine switching allegiance highlights just how serious Brazil’s striking problems have become. Gone are the days where a Romaro, Ronaldo or Adriano picked themselves.