Match Preview: England vs Brazil
Today, world football shall witness some of the finest international football friendlies. The most notable one will be the battle between Latin American powerhouses Brazil and the mighty England. This glamorous battle will kick off at the Wembley Stadium in London. England, who will play against the Yellow Submarine, managed by Big Phil, will be hoping for a victory against Brazil after 23 years. It will be Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first match after his return to the Selecao hot seat after 12 years, having won the last World Cup for Brazil in 2002 at Yokohama. The experienced manager is hoping to bag the 2014 World Cup to be hosted in Brazil.
Brazil’s football team looks promising, and there is a huge possibility that they could beat the injury-hit England. Brazil has opted for QPR’s in-form goalkeeper Júlio César, who will play alongside Barcelona duo Adriano and Dani Alves at left-back and right-back respectively. The manager was clever enough to choose Bayern Munich’s Dante, who has been impressing coaches with his superb defensive displays. With Dante on the defence side, Bayern have conceded just 9 goals this season, and he will be looking forward to make his international debut today. Brazil have a lot of options in defence, with Miranda, Filipe Luis, David Luiz and Castan.
Chelsea duo and speedsters Ramires and Oscar will take charge in the midfield alongside Sau Paulo player Paulinho. Brazil have superstar Ronaldinho and Paris Saint-Germain hit Lucas Moura to trouble England.
Coming to the Brazilian attack, Neymar, recent call-up and World Cup 2010 striker Luis Fabiano and the mighty Hulk could swing into action with a combined effort to put the English to the sword.A win for the Selacao today will raise the status and reputation of Scolari.
Felipe Scolari commented on Ronaldinho’s return to the game after his superb form with Atletico Miniero.
“Ronaldinho is 32 but he has played a spectacular season, he has shown marvellous effort and he’s been with the national team already,now it’s up to him to show that I’ve taken the right decision to cap him once again and he’ll have to show how quickly he can integrate into the team,” said Felipe Scolari.
Coming to England team, Steven Gerrard will captain the side once again, and Roy Hodgson has Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley to choose in midfield. England are injury hit, with Tottenham’s Defoe, Manchester United‘s Carrick and Liverpool‘s Daniel Sturridge all ruled out. The man to trouble the Brazilian defence will be Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who will play alongside his club teammate Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott. Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere can boost the English midfield by providing fine assists and taking advantage of the set-pieces.
The Brazilians will be looking to dominate the Three Lions, having won 11 of the 23 games between the two and losing just three times. Ronaldinho and Neymar could spice up the game with their crazy nutmegs, stepovers and Rabonas.
| ENGLAND V BRAZIL STATS |
|
| GAMES PLAYED ENGLAND WINS DRAWS BRAZIL WINS ENGLAND GOALS BRAZIL GOALS |
23 3 9 11 19 31 |
Probable Starting XI
Brazil (4-3-3) - Cesar, Dani Alves, Dante, Filipe Luis, Marcelo, Ramires, Oscar, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Hulk, Luis Fabiano
England (4-2-3-1) - Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Cole; Wilshere, Cleverley; Walcott, Gerrard, Milner; Rooney
Prediction: Brazil 2-0 England