[森巴] International Friendly Preview: Ukraine - Brazil
Mano Menezes will hope to conjure up his third successive win as the Selecao
coach...
By Subhankar Mondal
Bouncing Back From Humiliation
Ukraine are co-hosts of the Euro 2012 finals alongside Poland, and this means
that they do not have to participate in the marathon qualifying campaign.
This also results in them not having any competitive matches until their
opening finals match.
However, Yuriy Kalitvintsev's side have been playing international friendlies
as preparation for the mega-event and are yet to lose under their new coach,
but things haven't been going very well for them recently. On Friday, the
2006 World Cup quarter-finalists were held to a 2-2 draw by minnows Canada in
Kiev and Kalitvintsev came under criticism for the performance.
The match against the might of Brazil will provide a way for them to redeem
themselves and Ukraine will attempt to fare better. They will have to do so
without injured skipper Andriy Shevchenko, who will retire after taking part
in the Euro 2012 finals.
"When we were beaten by Greece in the play-off, I realised that I will never
play at a World Cup again," said the 34-year-old. "I want to play in Euro
2012 and will then hang up my boots. I've given it a lot of thought and my
decision is final.”
Maintaining The Winning Run
A win against Iran last week in the friendly international was expected for
Brazil and it did come quite easily. The former world champions were in
control for most of the match and scored thrice without reply.
It was coach Mano Menezes' second win in a row as Brazil boss and maintained
his 100% record. Two months back, the 48-year-old commenced his tenure with a
win over the USA and he will be eager to see that he wins his third game in
charge of the Selecao on Monday evening.
However, Menezes knows that winning against Ukraine will not be as easy as
defeating Iran last week was and has hinted at some changes, saying: "Ukraine
play at a high level and have more experience. It's going to be a different
and more competitive game.
He added: "Maybe we will test our squad with two forwards. We'll think about
those changes. What's important is to keep working to build the team's
confidence."
TEAM NEWS
Ukraine
Kalitvintsev could make some changes to the side that were held to a 2-2 draw
by Canada last week. Veteran striker Shevchenko has been ruled out after
picking up a slight knock on Friday.
Brazil
Mano Menezes has already hinted that he could make some changes and play with
two forwards on Monday. Against Iran he deployed a three-man attacking
system. Thankfully for the Brazil coach, he has no injury concerns.
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