Brazil vs England
Football: International Friendly Match
Match date: 2 June 2013 - Kick Off Time: 19:00 GMT
Venue: Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho (Maracanã) - Rio de Janeiro
Match date: 2 June 2013 - Kick Off Time: 19:00 GMT
Venue: Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho (Maracanã) - Rio de Janeiro
Much of the discussion around Brazil's players has revolved around
Neymar's seemingly imminent move to Europe after much teasing over the
past few seasons. The young striker has scored 20 goals in 32
international matches but adapting to playing for Barcelona could be his
biggest challenge yet. The other talk ahead of Brazil's confederations
cup campaign has centred on the absence of former Ballon d'Or winners
Kaka and Ronaldinho; both big names to leave out, but most would agree
neither are at their peak at this stage. Champions League winners Dante
and Luiz Gustavo are included, but there's no place for Chelsea's
Ramires, who was instrumental in his team lifting the trophy last
season.
England go into the friendly in mixed form and also
with a serious chance of missing out on another World Cup. In a group
with Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro the English are making hard work of
it. England sit in 2nd place in the group 2 points behind
surprise leaders Montenegro but only 4 points ahead of Poland and
Ukraine who both have a game in hand. Since the defeat to Italy on
penalties in Euro 2012 England have won 4, drawn 4 and lost once. This
run is including a friendly 2-1 win over Brazil. They have scored 26
goals and conceded 9 but with 18 coming against whipping boys Moldova
and San Marino results have not been great for England at all. As
expected after the season has finished, England suffer a handful of
withdrawals from the squad. Daniel Sturridge joins Steven Gerrard, Andy
Carrol, Jack Wilshire and Tom Cleverly who all withdraw before the tepid
1-1 home draw with Republic of Ireland. Danny Welbeck and Jermaine
Defoe are injury doubts so Theo Walcott may partner Wayne Rooney in
attack.
Head-to-Head:
Last Meeting: 06. February 2013 England - Brazil 2-1
Wins Brazil: 11
Wins England: 4
Draws: 9