International Friendly Preview: Brazil vs. Ukraine
Zhovto-Blakytni look to redeem themselves
Ukraine will be co-hosting the Euro 2012 along with Poland. An achievement in itself, it also means that the ‘Yellow-Blues’ are exempted from the qualifying hassles. But on the downside of course, the country will not have any competitive fixtures until
their group stage fixtures, two years down the lane. Zhovto-Blakytni will have to arrange friendly matches for the next two years if they are to keep the teams’ chemistry intact.
Yuriy Kalitvintsev’s side were held to a draw my football minnows Canada on Friday. It must go down as an embarrassment for a team of Ukraine’s calibre. As a result, Yuriy will look to gather some momentum and redeem himself with an established performance
against the Selecao.
The match against Brazil would have been Andriy Shevchenko’s last appearance against the Selecao but unfortunately, the Former Milan striker has been ruled out with an injury. The coach confirmed his absence earlier today as it was revealed that Shevchenko
has suffered a knock to his ankle.
Selecao building for the future
Newly appointed brazil coach Mano Menezes is looking to build a new look side following the World Cup disappointment. To his credit, Menezes has been playing a lot of youngsters. Dunga was heavily criticised for failing to integrate young players into the squad.
Brazil’s 3-0 victory against Iran on Friday was expected and the Selecao have not raised any eyebrows with their dominance. In Ukraine however, they will find sterner opposition. Menezes has hinted that he might look to tinker with his squad before the
match against Ukraine, “Ukraine has more experience in its ranks and they will be playing on a higher level. I think this one is going to be a different and a competitive game”
The coach might jingle his tactics a bit as he has hinted he will look to play two strikers upfront. Pato and Robinho are expected to lead the line for the Selecao. “We are looking to test our tactics with two forwards. I will be making some changes but
the important thing is that we keep working hard and build confidence”
Team News
Ukraine
Ukraine and Milan legend Shevchenko is out for the fixture thus Artem Milevsky will be fielded instead.
Brazil
Mano Menezes will be delighted to have a clean health bill with his called up squad. The tactician fielded a 4-3-3 formation against Iran but has stated that he would take it to the ground with a two man attack. Menezes will have to sacrifice one player from
his attacking trident and Philippe Coutinho who made his debut against Iran, will be back on the bench.
Key Players
Alexandre Pato
Pato is undoubtedly one of the best youngsters in world football. The Milan number 7 has been suffering from injuries and that really affected his form last year. However, the youngster is visibly growing in confidence following his return from injury. Pato’s
sizzling pace, sublime dribbling skills and his ability to bring his teammates into play will be of crucial importance. On a personal level, Pato will look to add goals to his international tally against an outfit that conceded twice against Canada.
Andriy Pyatov
The Shakhtar Donetsk custodian will have to be on his best if Ukraine is to get any result against a majestically talented Brazilian outfit. The keeper is not very highly rated but the former Vorskla Poltava player will have to be in inspired form when facing
the likes of Pato and Robinho.
Prediction
Brazil has several notable absences from the squad and Ukraine will look to bounce back following their disappointing draw. However, the Selecao will surely have too much for a modest Ukraine outfit. Brazil to comfortably win the match 2 – 0.
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