Brazil are currently in formidable form. The 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts have scored 7 goals in their last 2 international friendly matches. With the pairing of Marcelo and Thiago Silva in defence as well as the inclusion of FC Porto’s Hulk alongside Neymar in attack, the Brazilians have not only found back their goal scoring groove but also a great balance at both ends of the pitch.
They beat Denmark 3-1 before dismantling USA 4-1 in May. Brazil will play Mexico on Sunday with high hopes of clinching yet another victory. The Brazilian national team emphatically flopped at the 2011 Copa America. The reconstruction phase under coach Mano Menezes is producing positive signs.
Buzzing from their convincing trouncing of the United States, star striker Neymar told reporters:
“It was a great game for all the Selecao and also for me. Of course you cannot always pull off your tricks and flicks, but I played for the team.
“I scored and set up two. The Selecao put on a good show and we won, that is the most important thing.”
Rivals Mexico will attempt to humble Brazil. El Tri are fresh from a 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in which Javier Hernandez scored in injury time. The Mexicans are also looking to hit higher standards in world football as coach Jose Manuel de la Torre told the press in the aftermath of the Bosnia win:
“It’s important that the start of the project begins well. I liked many things and there are others to improve. [We played] a good game: everyone was unselfish, the rival pushed us and made us see some mistakes we will correct to be a solid team.”
