Friday, September 6, 2013

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07.09. (Sat) 21:15 Brazil - Australia





Brazil have been weakened by injuries but their depth should still mean they are good enough to overcome Australia on Saturday.



Full-back Dani Alves (knee) and striker Hulk (thigh) have been ruled out of the clash, while the Socceroos are missing star forward Tim Cahill (ankle).



The Confederations Cup holders are also preparing for a friendly against Portugal and may start with a more experimental line-up against Australia - although they are still likely to control proceedings from the off.



Scolari's men have only lost twice this year – including a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland last time out – as they prepare for the World Cup.



Barcelona star Neymar is fit to lead the attack for Felipao's men, while Alves' absence means Maicon may start at right-back with David Luiz and Thiago Silva to command the back four.



Even if some of their bigger names are rested with an eye to the Portugal clash, Brazil are likely to send Saturday's opponents a warning about what to expect from a top side at the World Cup.

Australia have friendlies against the Selecao and France as their next two clashes in what is an ideal build-up to the 2014 finals.



Australia coach Holger Osieck will learn plenty about where his team sits and has named close to a full-strength squad for the encounter in Brasilia.



The Socceroos defence will be tested by a star-studded Brazil side, so Osieck is likely to start his preferred back four in Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski and Matt McKay.



Under the German, the Socceroos have shown they are capable of sitting back and getting results, highlighted by their 1-1 draw in Japan in a qualifier in June.



With Cahill injured, Josh Kennedy is likely to get a start up front, while Central Coast striker Mitchell Duke, who impressed at the East Asian Cup, may also get an opportunity.