Brazil will take on two challenging opponents in the November international window hoping to regain momentum in the World Cup qualifiers. The Canarinha come from a disappointing performance in the October break, when they failed to beat Venezuela at home (1-1) before suffering a defeat to Uruguay in Montevideo.
Under pressure to improve their performance and get back to winning ways, they will face Colombia away on Thursday, November 16. Five days later, they will welcome Argentina to the Maracanã Stadium. Coach Fernando Diniz heads into this double-header in with his head held high after winning the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense. Now, his task is to carry this kind of success to the international stage.
READ MORE
++ Brazil National Team: coach Fernando Diniz explains why he didn’t call Richarlison
++ Brazilian National Team: Endrick secures a spot on Diniz’s squad
++ Samba Gold nominees are revealed and voting is open now
Neymar is not available
The upcoming matches for the Canarinha will be the first without Neymar, who will be on the sidelines for several months. The Al-Hilal star is recovering from knee surgery after being injured in Uruguay. They will also be without key players such as Ederson, Casemiro, and Richarlison.
However, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who have recently shone for Real Madrid, will be available. Raphinha stands out among those recovering from injuries, having already played minutes for FC Barcelona. Additionally, there’s Endrick, the 17-year-old gem from Palmeiras who has already secured a move to Real Madrid.
Time and Venue for the Match Against Colombia
Brazil will play Colombia in the hot city of Barranquilla on Nov. 16 at 21:00 (Brasilia time). The Cafeteros come off three consecutive draws in the qualifiers. James Rodríguez is doubtful after missing Sao Paulo’s derby against Santos, but the coaching staff believes he will be available. Fluminense star Jhon Arias and Werder Bremen forward Rafael Santos Borré will also be players to watch.
Time and Venue for the Match Against Argentina
Brazil’s second clash will be the derby against Argentina on Nov. 21 at 21:30 (Brasilia time) at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. Lionel Scaloni has called up much of the squad that won the World Cup, with returns for Paulo Dybala (Roma) and Ángel Di María (Benfica), who were absent in the last double-header.
Lionel Messi leads the squad, which includes two surprises: 26-year-old Mallorca full-back Pablo Maffeo, born in Spain but son of an Argentine mother, and Francisco Ortega, a defender who plays for Greek giants Olympiakos.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
