Manchester United and Brazil winger Antony blames Qatar’s air conditioning for World Cup illness

Brazil’s Antony missed training after suffering through illness (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United and Brazil winger Antony blames the air conditioning in Qatar for getting ill during the World Cup.

Antony was one of several Brazilians to miss training earlier this week ahead of their second Group G fixture against Switzerland.

Pre-tournament favourites Brazil kick-started their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia and also proved too strong for Switzerland, with Casemiro’s late goal settling the contest.

Antony was used as a second-half substitute in both games but admits he was a little worse for wear prior to the Switzerland clash and blames the air conditioning in Qatar for getting sick.

The stadiums, training facilities and hotels in Doha are fitted with air conditioning as temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius during the first ever winter World Cup.

‘It was a bit difficult,’ Antony, who completed a £82m move from Ajax last summer, told Brazilian streamer Casimiro. ‘I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit.

‘I’m recovering well now and getting back to 100%. It was more of a sickness, a feeling in the throat. It was the air conditioning.

Temperatures are reaching 30 degrees Celsius in Qatar (Picture: Getty)

‘It wasn’t just me, other players also had a cough and a bad throat. It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team. Whenever you need Antony, I’m available.’

Brazil’s victory over Switzerland ensured Tite’s side progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a group game to spare.

After scoring the winner against Switzerland, Antony’s Manchester United team-mate Casemiro said: ‘I scored but is important to have assisted the whole team.

‘When we win, we win together; when we lose, we lose together. It doesn’t change my mindset.

‘This is a group, the Brazil national team as players, we must play as a group. That is most important to get the title.’

Neymar described Casemiro as the ‘best midfielder in the world’ after the match and Tite smiled when asked about the opinion before saying: ‘As a habit, I always respect opinions.

‘I usually don’t comment but I will allow myself to do so today. I agree.’

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‘It wasn’t just me, other players got it too.’