Brazil vs Colombia preview

September 5, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Brazil vs ColombiaBrazil and Colombia square off at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida in the repeat of the 2014 World Cup quarter-final, where the Seleccao recorded a 2-1 triumph.

Following embarrassing defeats in the semi-final and third-place play-off, Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked, with Carlos Dunga returning for the second spell in charge of the national team.

The 1994 World Cup winner made a number of changes for his first squad, bringing the likes of Marquinhos, Filipe Luis, Miranda, Coutinho and Robinho back to the international fold.

Dunga also called a number of home-based players, with the likes of Gil, Everton, Elias, Tardelli and Goulart all making the cut.

Brazil will have no less than five friendlies until the end of the year that will serve as a great opportunity for Dunga to nail down his best starting 11, with Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Japan and Turkey all likely to prove worthy opponents.

The Seleccao have been made 2.15 (23/20) favourites to see off their South American rivals, with star player Neymar 2.50 (3/2) to score anytime.

The Barcelona forward will lead the line together with Diego Tardelli, but captain Thiago Silva missed out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Jefferson – Maicon, Luiz, Miranda, Filipe Luis – Willian, Ramires, Luiz Gustavo, Oscar – Neymar, Tardelli.

Colombia proved their credentials at the 2014 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals and giving hosts Brazil a tough time after winning their opening five fixtures.

And with all important players either in their prime or yet to reach their best years, things are looking very good for los Cafeteros.

The national team chiefs did well to tie down boss Jose Pekerman to a new long-term deal and the boss in turn called his best players for the Brazil friendly.

Apart from veterans Mondragon and Yepes, all players who took part at the World Cup finals are there, plus Radamel Falcao, Luis Muriel, Edwin Valencia and Aldo Ramirez.

As a result, there may be some value in odds of 3.50 (5/2) offered on away win, especially since new Manchester United star will be eager to shine after returning into action.

With no fresh injury worries at the moment, Jose Pekerman looks set to field his strongest line-up at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Ospina – Zuniga, Zapata, Valdes, Armero – Cuadrado, Sanchez, Guarin – Ibarbo, James – Falcao.

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