International Friendly: Neymar Ready For Brazil Return

Brazil vs Colombia

Brazil are set to take the field for the first time since successfully reclaiming the Copa America crown on home soil back in July. Despite the absence of talisman Neymar due to injury, the Selecao came together and went undefeated en route to winning the tournament.

But the Paris Saint-Germain star is finally ready to make his return to the team as Brazil take on the dangerous Colombians in an international friendly in Miami.

After going perfect in the group stage of the Copa, Colombia were tipped to go all the way to the final. But they disappointingly crashed out in the quarter-finals to Chile on penalties.

Carlos Queiroz’s men will now get their chance to measure themselves against the reigning South American champions, although the international friendly 2019 betting odds won’t be in their favour.

Talking Points

Neymar returns

Brazil manager Tite has recalled a good number of players who were part of the side which won the Copa America a few months ago. Dani Alves returns to captain the side along with Thiago Silva, Philippe Coutinho, and Roberto Firmino.

But the big inclusion is Neymar, who is back after missing the tournament due to an ankle injury. That’s despite the PSG star not yet playing a single match this season amid his prolonged transfer saga involving his old club Barcelona, which did not come to pass.

Neymar and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior have both been called up in attack in place of Gabriel Jesus, who is still dealing with a hamstring injury, and breakout star Everton, who is busy with his club commitments.

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International Friendly

The other big changes involve Liverpool and Manchester City players swapping places. City goalkeeper Ederson will deputise for Liverpool’s Alisson, who is still recovering from a calf injury. Meanwhile, Fabinho has taken the place of City midfielder Fernandinho.

It will be interesting to see if Neymar can start creating international friendly 2019 highlights right away after missing significant time due to injury. And after slowly adapting to a somewhat effective style of play later in the Copa, the team will now have to re-adjust and accommodate their superstar.

But the Brazilians won’t have as many question marks in defence, which has excelled of late. They did not concede a single goal from open play in their six Copa matches; the only goal they gave up all tournament was a Paulo Guerrero penalty against Peru in the final.

Colombia’s big names are out

While Brazil are set to get their big-name star back in the side, Colombia will be without two of theirs. Veteran striker Falcao and James Rodriguez have not been included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for their upcoming friendlies in the US.

Falcao, who recently joined Turkish giants Galatasaray, is dealing with an ankle injury, while James picked up a calf injury while playing for Real Madrid.

With those two stars out, the Atalanta duo of Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel will have the opportunity to lead Los Cafeteros’ attack against Brazil.

Zapata is coming off a terrific breakout campaign last year with 23 Serie A goals and scored two of Colombia’s four goals in the Copa, including the winner against Qatar. The 28-year-old has also started the new Serie A season brightly with two goals in his first two games.

International Friendly: Can Carlos Queiroz guide Colombia to win against South American powerhouse Brazil? — Colombia head coach Carlos Queiroz during training

Meanwhile, Colombia’s impressive defence will face by far its toughest test to date against Brazil. The Colombians have incredibly kept clean sheets in seven of their eight matches under Queiroz.

The only goals they have conceded were in a 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic, wherein Queiroz did not start some of his first-choice players.

History

Brazil and Colombia have matched up on 31 occasions all-time, with Brazil having an overwhelming edge in terms of wins, 19-3. Brazil have won four of the last six head-to-heads, with one loss and one draw.

That Colombia win came in the 2015 Copa America. That’s their only victory against the South American giants in the last 28 years.

Betting Tip

	Brazil vs Colombia	Under 2.75 Goals @ 1.73
	September 7, 08:30 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have the Brazilians priced as significant 1.60 favourites on the 1X2 market, with Colombia at 5.80 and a draw at 3.55.

Despite the absence of Falcao and James, the Colombians are still fully capable of making this a very competitive match. Their defence has been mightily impressive, and they have the ability to make things difficult for the returning Neymar.

Having said that, though, the total goals to go under 2.75 appears to be the safer bet. It’s hard to see too many goals going in against these top defences, which should lead to a relatively low-scoring affair.