The opposition of Venezuela, Paraguay and Ecuador was not expected to cause the Seleção too many problems. But after two draws, Brazil are struggling, and need to get their campaign back on track with a victory.
A point would be enough to secure qualification to the quarter-finals, but Brazil will hope to emulate fellow favourites Argentina and Uruguay, who both drew their first two games before winning their third and boosting morale among players and fans alike.
In terms of the starting line-up, Menezes has recently used the same team that started the first game against Venezuela in training, with one change: Maicon replacing Dani Alves at right-back.
However, as seen with Jadson’s inclusion against Paraguay, Menezes is capable of springing a surprise, and once again he has been quiet on his selection. Elano and Fred have been rumoured to be likely starters, but there is nothing concrete at the moment.
For Ecuador, only a win will do. They picked up a decent point against Paraguay, but then slipped to defeat against Venezuela, and now they can only progress with a win against Brazil, something they have never previously managed in the Copa America.
Their task has been made even more difficult by the absence of their star player, Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia. The winger missed the Venezuela game with a knee injury, and he has not been able to recover in time to face Brazil.
Brazil have stuttered their way through the competition so far, but their destiny remains in their own hands. They will most likely progress to the quarter-finals, but they will want to finally give the fans something to cheer about, and move into the last eight with more confidence.
The game kicks-off at 01:45 Thursday morning UK time (21:45 Wednesday night local time). Join Sambafoot in the early hours of Thursday morning for live minute-by-minute updates of the game!
Likely Brazil starting XI: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos; Lucas Leiva, Ramires, Ganso; Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Neymar.
