In his first match in charge of the Brazilian National Team, Coach Dorival Júnior will face England, a world soccer classic that historically favors the green and yellow team, and by far.
The match will animate the friendly action this Saturday from 4 p.m., at the emblematic Wembley Stadium, in London, and with transmission via streaming on the Star+ platform.
The English have only four wins in 26 games against the Brazilians, who have won on 11 occasions (the remaining 11 were draws). The superiority becomes overwhelming when it comes to counting games for points: four, all for World Cups, with three successes for Brazil and one draw.
The first time at the World Cup was in Sweden ’58, with a goalless draw in the group stage that became the first 0-0 in history in World Cups. Then it was 3-1 in the quarterfinals of Chile ’62, with a double from Garrincha and a goal from Vavá against Bobby Charlton’s team. In Mexico ’70, again on the second date of the group stage, it was 1-0 with Jairzinho shouting. While in Korea-Japan 2002, in the quarterfinals, it was 2-1 with an early goal from Michael Owen and a comeback from Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
For those who have noticed, yes, it is like this: each World Cup encounter ended with Brazil champion. Amulet or curse, it depends on which side you analyze it from.
But things change a lot in terms of the current status of each team. If Brazil has a new coach it is because things are not going well afterward: Tite’s fiasco in Qatar 2022 (quarterfinals) and Fernando Diniz’s failed interim position that ended with the historic defeat against Argentina at the Maracaná in the Qualifiers paved the way for the change of command. And after flirting and being rejected by the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil went for the champion coach with Flamengo of the Libertadores 2022, who will try to turn the ship around, especially in the Qualifiers, where the team is sixth with just seven points in six dates.
On the other hand, England is excited thanks to the power of its local league – although its figures play abroad – and a generation of players who appear to be among its best. With the European Championship in Germany in its sights, the team led by Gareth Southgate (in charge since 2016) finished the Qualifiers for the continental competition undefeated and is excited about achieving a title that was always elusive, its best campaign being the last, in 2020, when he was runner-up.
For England, all the focus will be on the star Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) while the scoring captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) arrived in difficulty and could miss the event.
On the Brazil side, the absences are numerous, especially in the back: goalkeepers Alisson (Liverpool) and Ederson (Manchester City), and center backs Marquinhos (PSG) and Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal). Thus, Dorival will improvise with Bento (Paranaense) in goal and Bremer (Juventus) and the twenty-year-old Beraldo (PSG) as center backs.
The strong Brazilian will be up front, with Vinicius and Rodrygo (both from Real Madrid), passing Richarlison (Tottenham). Meanwhile, the pearl Endrick (Palmeiras/Real Madrid) will wait his turn from the bench.
In addition, another world classic will also be played from 5 p.m. In Lyon, France will host Germany with ESPN television.
2024-03-22 19:02:35
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