Brazil and Australia will face off in a double-header of friendly matches, marking the beginning of their rebuilding process after disappointing World Cup campaigns. The Brazilian team, led by coach Carlo Ancelotti, will play the Socceroos in Townsville on Friday and again in Brisbane next Tuesday. This will be Brazil's first outing since their shock loss to Norway in the last 16, while Australia bowed out in the round of 32.
Ancelotti has made significant changes to his squad, selecting only nine players from their World Cup team for the Australian matches and a friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3. New faces include Chelsea forwards Joao Pedro and Estevao, goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otavio, defender Mauro Junior, and midfielders Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo. Established stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, and central defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos will also feature.
Australian coach Tony Popovic has also made wholesale changes, omitting 10 players from the Socceroos' World Cup squad, including veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan and striker Cristian Volpato. Seven uncapped players have been named in the 25-man squad, which was hit by the injury-forced withdrawal of Norwich City striker Mohamed Toure. The Socceroos are building towards the Asian Cup in January-February and are looking to make progress with new players.
The double-header provides an opportunity for new players to prove themselves on a big stage, according to Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine. He believes the matches against Brazil will help the team take another step in their football development. The Socceroos had a successful summer but need to continue progressing, Irvine added.
Brazil's Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes emphasized the importance of refining talent in the country and respecting the Australian team. He acknowledged that things haven't been great for Brazil recently but expressed confidence that playing well and winning games can turn the situation around.
The Brazilian team has a mix of experience and youth, with Ancelotti looking to discover new talent. The coach has included several new faces in the squad, and Guimaraes believes this is crucial for the team's future success. The friendly matches against Australia will provide a test for the new players and help Ancelotti assess his team's progress.
The double-header against Brazil marks a significant challenge for the Socceroos as they look to build towards the Asian Cup. With a mix of experienced players and new faces, the Australian team will be looking to make a statement against the five-time World Cup champions. The matches will provide valuable experience for the new players and help Popovic assess his team's readiness for the Asian Cup.
Key points
- Brazil and Australia will play a double-header of friendly matches in Townsville and Brisbane.
- The matches mark the beginning of the rebuilding process for both teams after their World Cup exits.
- The Brazilian squad features a mix of experienced players and new faces, with coach Carlo Ancelotti looking to discover new talent.
