Photo: Wembley National Stadium Ltd
England play the second of their 2 international friendlies this Sunday against Brazil. The game has significant importance as it marks the grand re-opening of the Maracana Stadium.
England play the second of their 2 international friendlies this Sunday against Brazil. The game has significant importance as it marks the grand re-opening of the re built Maracana stadium.
England go into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with the republic of Ireland at Wembley. The England squad looked fatigued which is not promising ahead of the Brazil game. Danny Welbeck will miss the game due to a knee injury. Daniel Sturridge will also miss out on his chance to take part against Brazil having had his game against Ireland cut short due to injury. The Liverpool forward looks set for a race to get fit in time for his clubs pre-season training. England will also still be without Andy Carroll and Kyle Walker who picked up an injury in a friendly game for his club side Tottenham.
Brazil will be using the game to assess tactics and formations going into the Confederations Cup as well as in anticipation of the 2014 World Cup. Many of the world’s eyes will be focused on Neymar. The 21 year old is a pop culture icon in Brazil and has recently made a big money move to Barcelona. England will need to keep him quiet if they hope to win the match.
The last time the two sides met at the Maracana Stadium it produced a legendary England goal. John Barnes raced his way through the Brazilian defence in 1984 to put England 1-0 up. The game eventually finished 2-0 to England. Roy Hodgson will be hoping for a similar result and performance.
The game will take place at the newly renovated Maracana Stadium. The stadium had a £320m renovation for the World Cup and the friendly against England will be the opening game of the new 77,000-seat arena.
