International Friendly: Brazil - Ireland - 7M sport

International Friendly: Brazil - Ireland

Posted Tuesday, March 02, 2010 by Goal.com

Selecao tune up for the World Cup in London.

Kick-Off: Tuesday March 2, 2010; 2105 CET, Emirates Stadium, London

Adriano Returns, 'Dinho Doesn't

A lot of the talk in the build-up to this fixture has centerd on one player who will definitely not be there; Ronaldinho. The Milan playmaker has been in blistering form for his Italian club, contributing a significant percentage of the Rossoneri's goals and assists this term, but he has yet to be drafted in from the wilderness by Carlos Dunga. The Brazil manager persevered and persevered with 'Dinho as his waistline expanded but appetite for the game diminished. Omitted at last, the 29-year-old responded well and is still a good bet to make the final 23 for the World Cup as he continues to seek his coach's approval.

For now though, Dunga has alternate weaponry at his disposal. Real Madrid's Kaka, Galatasaray's Elano and Robinho of Santos are loading the cannons, although Luis Fabiano will not be the gunslinger on this occasion. Nilmar is likely to command the centre forward's shirt on Tuesday but will be joined in the shake-up by two strikers who are on the comeback trail at international level.

One, Grafite, has kept his head down and tucked away his chances at club level without troubling the Brazil selectors for the best part of five years. Effervescent at Wolfsburg, he has finally made the grade.

Another, Adriano, could be a source of inspiration for 'Dinho. Following his troubles at Inter, the burly hitman has found his smile and form at Flamengo. A return to the national fold came soon after.

After wins over England and Oman in November, Dunga will seek to start the World Cup build-up in similar fashion; with a win. All the samba stars have been summoned - Maicon, Lucio et al will be at the Emirates to attempt to lead the Irish a merry dance.

A Fresh Start

Giovanni Trapattoni saw the sun set on his first qualification campaign in charge of the Republic of Ireland in acrimonious circumstances at the Stade de France in November. Those memories may still be raw for some Irish fans but this game against Brazil marks the beginning, in earnest, of the 2012 European Championship campaign.

Il Trap will receive an insight into how well his team may fare in the future without current stalwarts like Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and John O'Shea, who has not played a match since the France fixture. All three are absent through injury, leaving some inexperienced players waiting to step into the breach.

Man for man, the Ireland team set to start on Tuesday is short on game-changing quality but the team has benefited from sound organisation and parsimonious defending since the Italian coach took over.

Now, the veteran trainer has a new set of disciples to drill; Manchester City's Greg Cunningham, Portsmouth's Marc Wilson and Wigan prospect James McCarthy are all set for their international bows against South America's finest in a game which takes place on neutral soil due to the CBF's commercial arrangement with the Kentaro sport agency.

Form Guide

Brazil

v Oman - November 17 2009 WON 2-0

v England - November 14 2009 WON 1-0

v Venezuela - October 14 2009 DREW 0-0

v Bolivia - October 11 2009 LOST 2-1

v Chile - September 10 2009 WON 4-2

Ireland

v France - November 18 2009 DREW 1-1

v France - November 14 2009 LOST 1-0

v Montenegro  - October 14 DREW 0-0

v Italy - October 10 DREW 2-2

v South Africa - September 8 WON 1-0

Team News

Brazil

Luis Fabiano, the Sevilla forward, has been ruled out through injury and his place has instead gone to Grafite. Also drafted in is Carlos Eduardo of Hoffenheim. The former Manchester City winger, Robinho, is with the squad despite Santos' attempts to hold onto him for the weekend win over Corinthians. Dunga tends to pick strong line-ups, regardless of the competition, and the five-time World Champions will be close to their full complement on the night.

Possible Line-Up: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos; Gilberto Silva Felipe Melo, Elano, Kaka, Robinho; Nilmar

Ireland

Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne have pulled out of the squad with injuries suffered during their respective games on Sunday. Anthony Stokes of Hibernian has replaced Celtic's Keane but no replacement has been called up for Dunne. Brian Murphy of Ipswich Town has replaced Scunthorpe's Joe Murphy as back-up goalkeeper. There could be debuts for James McCarthy, Marc Wilson and Greg Cunningham.

Possible Line-Up: Given; Kelly, McShane, St Ledger, Kilbane; Whelan, Andrews, Lawrence, McGeady; Best, Doyle

Players To Watch

Brazil - Grafite

Back in the national team reckoning after a five-year absence, the 31-year-old's call-up comes as a belated reward for being the Bundesliga's top scorer last term. Following a stuttering start to the 2009-10 campaign, he's back in business with six goals in his last six matches. With Luis Fabiano having withdrawn, there may be a window of opportunity for the former Sao Paulo striker to stake a World Cup 2010 claim.

Ireland - James McCarthy

An ankle injury sustained in the weekend defeat by Birmingham City may not be serious enough to keep the 19-year-old out altogether on Tuesday, but a start may be beyond him. The former Hamilton Academical general could add a creative dimension to an otherwise workmanlike Irish midfield. He has fought off rumours this week that he may have been considering a switch of allegiance to Scotland, the land of his birth.

Prediction

The Republic do not normally embroil themselves in open, attractive fixtures. And the vacuum created by a number of regulars being absent could see Ireland chasing the game for equalizers or consolation goals. Brazil's fourth-string would probably give Ireland's first choice XI a run for their money. So with the likes of Dunne, O'Shea and Keane out, it could be a rout for South America's strongest line-up.

Brazil 2-0 Ireland



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.