Ronaldinho of Brazil shoots and sees his penalty saved by Joe Hart of England during the … [+] International friendly between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on February 6, 2013 in London, England.
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Having not played together since November, and with no more international breaks until the lead up to this summer’s Copa America in June; this coming week is absolutely vital for South America’s respective international teams.
Managers will look to practice their favorite systems, work on some finer tactical details and of course; to define which players they will or won’t be taking on the plane to the U.S.A for the Copa America this summer.
Therefore this week of international friendly matches is a lot more important than most others. Games as well as training sessions will be key for coaches to try and come up with their winning formula.
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Argentina play El Salvador and Costa Rica in the U.S.A this week. The World Champions were meant to play two games in China, but that deal fell through and so now they will take on humble opposition in North America instead.
Boss Lionel Scaloni has already won three trophies with this team and knows his system well, but Argentina fans are keen to see if both Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez can fit into a starting team alongside their captain Lionel Messi.
Lautaro Martinez replaces Julian Alvarez of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final … [+] match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
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Brazil in contrast to their closest rivals for the cup this summer, are playing top level opponents in England and Spain. Crucially, Brazil are keeping their squad in Europe for these two games as well; where the majority of the squad play their club football.
Brazil is in need of a trophy, especially in the midst of Argentina’s global domination, and games at Wembley Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu should be more than apt preparation for a successful summer stateside.
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England Vs Brazil is perhaps the most iconic match-up of this entire international window, but history suggests a home victory is unlikely for the English. They have faced Brazil on 26 occasions in association football history and have won just four times, however all of those came in international friendly matches.
Lucas Beraldo and Savio are two exciting youngsters that might make their national team debuts this week. They join future Real Madrid star Endrick in an exciting Brazil squad that shows plenty of promise for the 2026 World Cup; no matter what happens this summer. However, an experienced spine including the likes of Vinicius Junior, Casemiro and Marquinhos will be hungry for silverware now.
Colombia play against Spain in London and then Romania in Madrid this international break. The side that defeated Brazil in their last reunion are the only team unbeaten in South American World Cup qualifying and should be considered dark horses for the Copa America this summer.
Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates with James Rodriguez after scoring the team’s second goal during … [+] the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Brazil at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez on November 16, 2023 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
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Uruguay will also consider themselves contenders for the title after their recent victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires. They play against a Basque Country select in Bilbao and then take on the Ivory Coast in Lens, France.
Ecuador are perhaps the fifth and final realistic candidate for South American success in the U.S.A this summer. They showed at the Qatar 2022 World Cup that they can compete with the best in international football and their squad is full of talent. They take on Guatemala and Italy in New Jersey this week.
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Venezuela take on the same two opponents in reverse order, also on U.S soil. Their game with Italy in Fort Lauterdale will be a fantastic opportunity to see just how far they have progressed recently. Venezuela have shocked the continent with their form in World Cup qualifying having lost just one in six games.
Chile play Albania in Italy and then France in Marseille. Decent opposition for ‘La Roja’ who won just one of their six World Cup qualifiers late last year. Chile had incredible Copa America success with back-to-back victories in 2015 and 2016 but that form is a distant memory and they will need a miracle to progress deep in the tournament this summer.
Alexis Sanchez #7 of Chile celebrates the win over Argentina during the Copa America Centenario … [+] Championship match at MetLife Stadium on June 26, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Elsewhere, Paraguay will travel to Moscow to take on Russia in a single friendly, whilst Bolivia face an interesting tour to Algeria, where they will face the host nation as well as other visitors Andorra.
Last but not least, Peru are the only team to stay at home this March, facing Nicaragua and Dominican Republic in two friendly games in Lima. Peru are the worst team on form in South America, with just one goal and zero wins in six recent World Cup qualifiers.
This international break is a time for form to be flipped on its head though, for big individual performances from fringe players, and for one of the big contenders to prove themselves as ‘the team to beat’ ahead of what will be a sparkling summer of football in the U.S.A.
Lionel Messi of Argentina smiles with the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the … [+] final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Source link : https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephosullivan/2024/03/21/england-take-on-brazil-amongst-other-thrilling-international-clashes/
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Publish date : 2024-03-21 03:00:00
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