Brazil take on Iran in a scorching Middle East friendly
A rejuvenated looking Brazil face Iran in Abu Dhabi, in the first international match to be played between the two sides. The exhibition game will be a good test for both teams, with Brazil expected to win handily.
The five-time World Cup champions have made wholesale changes to their aging squad, and new Brazil manager Mano Menezes has selected barely a handful of the players that were starters under the former regime. Brazil have an undisputed abundance of talented players for every position; however, the tactics will rest solely with Menezes.
The new boss is under extreme scrutiny and is in charge for only his third game. An all out attack is required, and the coach will likely favour AC Milan players Robinho and Pato up front in attack. At the back, Brazil will rely on a rear-guard surge from Barcelona left-back Danny Alves. Chelsea defender Alex has been ruled out after suffering a thigh injury last weekend against Arsenal.
Iran also has experienced players in their squad, led by Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam. Keeping possession will be key, and coach Atfin Ghotbi will not want a repeat of Brazil’s recent 2-0 victory over the United States in August.
Instead, Iran will be hoping to stifle the returning flare of the South American giants, who are still trying to recover from their shock departure from last summer’s World Cup at the hands of the Dutch. Iran will fancy themselves as the home side being closer to their country for the fixture, and will undoubtedly have numerous fans supporting them in the stands.
Iran are coming off a recent loss of 2-1 to Kuwait, giving them their only bad result in 13 matches played this year. The team are on the brink of discovery, and are humbled by the fact they failed to qualify for the last World Cup.
The Persian team must tackle their aspirations in stages, and know success in Asia will bode well for their hopes of competing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The friendly against the host nation will be anything but amicable, as the two sides have plenty to prove.
Brazil must overcome the scorching heat in the United Arab Emirates, and show the world that youth is the antidote to their recent woes. Iran has an opportunity to earn the respect of a continent, and the envy of the planet if they can close the gap on the most successful footballing nation.
The five-time World Cup champions have made wholesale changes to their aging squad, and new Brazil manager Mano Menezes has selected barely a handful of the players that were starters under the former regime. Brazil have an undisputed abundance of talented players for every position; however, the tactics will rest solely with Menezes.
The new boss is under extreme scrutiny and is in charge for only his third game. An all out attack is required, and the coach will likely favour AC Milan players Robinho and Pato up front in attack. At the back, Brazil will rely on a rear-guard surge from Barcelona left-back Danny Alves. Chelsea defender Alex has been ruled out after suffering a thigh injury last weekend against Arsenal.
Iran also has experienced players in their squad, led by Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam. Keeping possession will be key, and coach Atfin Ghotbi will not want a repeat of Brazil’s recent 2-0 victory over the United States in August.
Instead, Iran will be hoping to stifle the returning flare of the South American giants, who are still trying to recover from their shock departure from last summer’s World Cup at the hands of the Dutch. Iran will fancy themselves as the home side being closer to their country for the fixture, and will undoubtedly have numerous fans supporting them in the stands.
Iran are coming off a recent loss of 2-1 to Kuwait, giving them their only bad result in 13 matches played this year. The team are on the brink of discovery, and are humbled by the fact they failed to qualify for the last World Cup.
The Persian team must tackle their aspirations in stages, and know success in Asia will bode well for their hopes of competing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The friendly against the host nation will be anything but amicable, as the two sides have plenty to prove.
Brazil must overcome the scorching heat in the United Arab Emirates, and show the world that youth is the antidote to their recent woes. Iran has an opportunity to earn the respect of a continent, and the envy of the planet if they can close the gap on the most successful footballing nation.
