GABON - BRAZIL
International Friendly in Africa between Gabon and Brazil.
So – Gabon. They’re a side capable of springing the odd surprise but for me, they were at their best a few years ago when Daniel Cousin was making a name for himself. He’s getting a bit old nowadays and although Meye and Mouloungui can cause problems, it’s not really an attack that I fear, not against such a good Brazil team. Gabon are trying to force through some youngsters such as Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder Poko and Celta de Vigo midfielder Madlinda but it’s a bit of a tough time for Gabon and it’s beginning to show. Some players have a lot of experience but most don’t, in all honesty, and as desperate as they’re bound to be to beat a heavyweight such as Brazil, I just don’t see them having the quality or the composure to damage their South American opponents today.
Brazil are in Africa for a week or so taking in Gabon and Egypt respectively to test the two alternative styles of African nations. Brazil have taken some players with them to Africa as a “trial”, so to speak, hence neither Neto or Diego Alves (goalkeepers) having a single cap between them, for example. However, what they have brought is an experienced defence to help out their goalkeepers with Luisao, Thiago Silva, Daniel Alves, and David Luiz amonst the players summoned. Even samba full-back Fabio has experience from his time with Manchester United, to be honest. This Brazil defence is good enough to keep a clean sheet here. In midfield, they’ve opted for more of an experimental approach with some talented players and some potentially talented players making up the numbers. Ever-impressive workhorse Sandro from Tottenham Hotspur is in the squad and I’m looking forward to see how he does here. We could also see Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk, hardman Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich, Lazio playmaker Hernanes, or even Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Fernandinho, all of which are good players. I’m concerned enough by the presence of Kleber and Jonas up front to avoid the handicap here but Hulk’s presence comforts me as I rate the powerful attacker rather highly, in all honesty – I just hope they don’t field Kleber as he’s simply not ready yet, in my view. All in all, though, we have a good Brazil squad – my only concern lies in whether they gel or not.
So we have a relatively inexperienced and lacking in firepower host entertaining a good Brazil side with an experienced defence. Taking the unders here would interest me as a side bet but I’ll stick to taking Brazil to win to nil as I don’t envision this game ending without Brazil scoring at somepoint but they should be composed enough to keep their hosts out. Therefore, taking Brazil to win to nil at 10/11 looks appealing here.
Verdict: Brazil to win to nil