Brazil vs France Preview

Topics: Blaise Matuidi, Neymar, Karim Benzema

In a World Cup 98 final fixture, Brazil square off against France but this time it will take a very different tone as both sides continue to experiment with their squads in an international friendly.

Team News

Manchester City outcast Jo, is set to replace Leandro Damiao after the Internacional striker suffered from a thigh strain. Jo after disappointing spells in England has finally found his feet and currently plays his trade at Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro where he has formed a formidable partnership with Ronaldinho and Diego Tardelli. Jo is also currently the top scorer in this season’s Libertadores Cup and will be hoping to cement his place in the national team with a fine performance.

Luiz Felipe Scolari is unlikely to make many changes in the squad as he prepares his team for the Confederations Cup which kicks off next week on the 15th of June, when hosts Brazil face Japan.

France will have an unchanged squad from the one which faced Uruguay on the 5th of June. Karim Benzema who missed the friendly against Uruguay might return to the squad to replace Olivier Giroud upfront.

Analysis

France will have the upper hand over their counterparts as the two sides clash at the Arena do Grêmio. The last time the Samba giants got the better of their European opponents was back in August 1992 when Brazil defeated France 2-1 in an international friendly. In the following six clashes which have taken place between the footballing giants, Brazil have lost four of their matches against France which also includes the FIFA World Cup final in 1998 as well as the Quarter Final in the 2006 World Cup.

Their woes are likely to continue with their recent disappointing run, the Samba giants have only managed a single victory in their last five matches but have not lost a single match in their last five appearances.

France however are on a disappointing run themselves and will face Brazil following two consecutive defeats against Uruguay and Spain. The 1998 World Champions have lost three of their last five matches and have managed victories in the remaining two.

New Barcelona signing Neymar is expected to be the cornerstone of all the attention once again. The former Santos man showcased a selfish display against the Three Lions last week in a match which ended 2-2. Neymar failed to get on the scoresheet but was lively in the first half and tested Joe Hart on a few occasions. Suarez’s pace and trickery caused havoc in the French defence when they faced Uruguay in midweek and Neymar will be hoping to have the same impact when his Brazilian side faces les Bleus.

France will continue under the leadership of Paris Saint Germain midfield sensation Blaise Matuidi who captained his national side for the first time in the match against Uruguay. The French midfielder has been one of the top performers for his club and will be looking to replicate his antics for the national side as well.

Didier Deschamps has also included in his squad some of the budding stars of French descent, the most prominent of which is Lyon playmaker Clement Grenier. The midfielder has been a revelation for his club and his performances this season have grabbed attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world.

The 22 year old will be hoping for a fine performance for his national side which might cement his place in a French midfield which is currently weakened by a number of absentees including Samir Nasri and Yohan Cabaye who are out injured, with Hatem Ben Arfa and Yann M'Vila still frozen out of the squad as a punishment for their behaviour at Euro 2012.