Everything is ready for kick off at 20.10pm in the Serra Dourada stadium in Goiania.
Even if the stadium won’t host any games for the coming World Cup, it certainly looks like it will: construction work everywhere, last minute preparations and politicians wandering in the corridor and knowing the place like the back of their hand. Indeed the stadium went through a renovation just for this game. It will benefit the clubs from Goiania: Atletico, Goias and Vila Nova.
And Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian federation, acknowledged the hard work to the point that he confirmed that it will be one of the stadiums hosting the Copa America 2015, which will be played in Brazil.
“Special, but still a friendly game,” was the intelligent phrase with which Mano Menezes described tonight’s game against Holland. Menezes, like all the players who were asked throughout the week, said that this game wouldn’t be about revenge from the 2010 World Cup.
Instead, it is special because the adversary of the day is a big team. “Unless I’m mistaken, they haven’t lost once in their last 35 games,” said Menezes. “I think that tells you all you need to know about their team.”
It is special again for several reasons: it will be their first encounter since the World Cup, it’s Brazil’s first game on their own soil since before the World Cup, and it is a form of exam for the players. Those who pass will go to the Copa America; those who fail will stay home. Finally, it will be Neymar’s first game with the national team in front of his adoring public.
For the last two years, the Seleção has played away from home. Now that they meet again with their public in an official game, it is important that they show an attacking spirit and that the players that the fans want to see play are on the pitch. Menezes has ensured that is the case.
Yesterday he confirmed in a press conference his starting line-up: three strikers, no ‘number ten,’ and three defensive midfielders.
Menezes’ one surprise was Fred’s presence in the starting eleven, in attack with Neymar and Robinho. It was already a surprise to see him in the list of 22 players called to the national team. But after four years without wearing the yellow and green jersey, Fred will have a chance to prove himself.
On the other hand Holland come to Brazil with more or less the same team that made it to the World Cup final. The only major difference: Sneidjer is injured and won’t be there.
GAME INFORMATION
Where: Stadium Serra Dourada, in Goiânia (GO)
When: 4th June 2011, Saturday
Time: 20.10 (UK time)
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay)
Assistant referees: Rodney Aquino and Cesar Franco (both from Paraguay)
BRAZIL : Júlio César; Daniel Alves, Lúcio, Thiago Silva, André Santos ; Lucas Leiva, Ramires, Elano; Neymar, Fred and Robinho
Coach: Mano Menezes
HOLLAND : Krul; Van der Wiel, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Pieters; De Jong, Schaars, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt; Huntelaar
Coach: Bert van Marwjik
