England Vs Brazil – Preview
The arrival of the Samba boys in any country is an exciting moment for a football fan. Away from the pitch their travelling army of supporters make pleasant company whilst their vibrant colourful symbols light up any town.
There is no more heightened anticipation for a team than facing Brazil and whilst they share their most fierce of rivalries with Argentina there is always something different about the Brazilians playing against England.
Wembley stadium (mark ii) will hold host it’s first full International tonight as Steve Maclaren’ main aim to build up for their qualifier with Estonia with a game against the very best in South American opposition.
Most of the talk in the England camp this week has been about the return of David Beckham and the hope that the Three Lions can return to winnings ways in order to get their European Championship campaign back in order. Having looked unconvincing since the World Cup, England have failed to sparkle against anyone of their last eight opponents failing to win five out of those matches increasing the pressure on their head coach.
With Beckham back into the fold, England look to build on victory over Andorra in March in an attempt to keep up with Croatia and Russia who head the group. Maclaren is without several key players for the game but is hoping that a reinstating of the former captain and the return to fitness of Michael Owen will make up for the loss of Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole and possibly most importantly Wayne Rooney.
Brazil come into the game off some good recent form under new head coach Dunga. Having had to rebuild since their exit to a Zidane inspired France in World Cup 2006, the Brazilians have only a 2-0 defeat to Portugal which blots their recent record. Under the new regime it seems the former World Cup winning captain is helping to build a new Brazil and is still yet to pick Ronaldo in his squad.
Combined with the undoubted threats of Kaka and Ronaldinho, Brazil introduced some fresh faces for their victories over Ghana and Chile back in March, Elano, Vagner Love and Afonso Alves are looking to build on the rich history of ‘gold and green’ strikers, whilst Maicon and Gilberto have done to replace the old hands who retired after last Summer’s World Cup.
The two sides hold a strong respect for each other and although both will take the game as a friendly they have much to prove. After being ousted by Italy as the top side in the world Brazil want to claim back their number one spot whilst after another World Cup failure England want to prove they have what it takes to compete in 2010.
Matches between the two countries are always a joy to behold and are more often than not memorable. Their last encounter was the 2002 World Cup Quarter final which was won in dramatic fashion by Ronaldinho’s 40-yard lob over England keeper David Seaman.
Whilst England’s last win came in a friendly in 1990, the Brazilians hold the upper hand in recent history. A group stage game in the 1970 World Cup was drawn 0-0 thanks to the memorable save of Peter Shilton and Bobby Moore’s memorable marking job on Pele. Prior to the nation’s qualification campaign for the 1988 World Cup England drew 1-1 with Lineker on the score sheet. The result was replicated in 1992 whilst in 1995 England were outclassed 3-1 by their opponents. The most recent friendly was in 2000 when the two faced off before Euro 2000 where Wembley saw them play out an entertaining 1-1 draw.
With all eyes eagerly fixed on the first full capacity occasion at the new centre piece of the English capital more history is set to be created as the two passionate footballing nations face off.
There is no more heightened anticipation for a team than facing Brazil and whilst they share their most fierce of rivalries with Argentina there is always something different about the Brazilians playing against England.
Wembley stadium (mark ii) will hold host it’s first full International tonight as Steve Maclaren’ main aim to build up for their qualifier with Estonia with a game against the very best in South American opposition.
Most of the talk in the England camp this week has been about the return of David Beckham and the hope that the Three Lions can return to winnings ways in order to get their European Championship campaign back in order. Having looked unconvincing since the World Cup, England have failed to sparkle against anyone of their last eight opponents failing to win five out of those matches increasing the pressure on their head coach.
With Beckham back into the fold, England look to build on victory over Andorra in March in an attempt to keep up with Croatia and Russia who head the group. Maclaren is without several key players for the game but is hoping that a reinstating of the former captain and the return to fitness of Michael Owen will make up for the loss of Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole and possibly most importantly Wayne Rooney.
Brazil come into the game off some good recent form under new head coach Dunga. Having had to rebuild since their exit to a Zidane inspired France in World Cup 2006, the Brazilians have only a 2-0 defeat to Portugal which blots their recent record. Under the new regime it seems the former World Cup winning captain is helping to build a new Brazil and is still yet to pick Ronaldo in his squad.
Combined with the undoubted threats of Kaka and Ronaldinho, Brazil introduced some fresh faces for their victories over Ghana and Chile back in March, Elano, Vagner Love and Afonso Alves are looking to build on the rich history of ‘gold and green’ strikers, whilst Maicon and Gilberto have done to replace the old hands who retired after last Summer’s World Cup.
The two sides hold a strong respect for each other and although both will take the game as a friendly they have much to prove. After being ousted by Italy as the top side in the world Brazil want to claim back their number one spot whilst after another World Cup failure England want to prove they have what it takes to compete in 2010.
Matches between the two countries are always a joy to behold and are more often than not memorable. Their last encounter was the 2002 World Cup Quarter final which was won in dramatic fashion by Ronaldinho’s 40-yard lob over England keeper David Seaman.
Whilst England’s last win came in a friendly in 1990, the Brazilians hold the upper hand in recent history. A group stage game in the 1970 World Cup was drawn 0-0 thanks to the memorable save of Peter Shilton and Bobby Moore’s memorable marking job on Pele. Prior to the nation’s qualification campaign for the 1988 World Cup England drew 1-1 with Lineker on the score sheet. The result was replicated in 1992 whilst in 1995 England were outclassed 3-1 by their opponents. The most recent friendly was in 2000 when the two faced off before Euro 2000 where Wembley saw them play out an entertaining 1-1 draw.
With all eyes eagerly fixed on the first full capacity occasion at the new centre piece of the English capital more history is set to be created as the two passionate footballing nations face off.