International Friendly Recap: Brazil, Argentina and the Rest of South America

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 17, 2010

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This past week, South American nations travelled all over the world to showcase new players or enhance their current squads.  With the Copa America just eight months away, teams are using these friendlies to test out new players, formations, strategies, make up for early exits from the World Cup, or all of the above.

Brazil Vs. Ukraine (2-0) & Brazil Vs. Iran (3-0)

Since taking over Dunga’s role as manager, Mano Menezes has gone with an all youth movement and has, thus far, relied on veterans such as Robinho, Ramires and Dani Alves.  Against Ukraine and Iran, Brazil did not look like a powerhouse, but they executed when they had to.  The youngsters did play sloppy at times, but that should not be a surprise when you are essentially rebuilding a team from scratch. 

Many of the players on the team will probably be on the Olympic Team in 2012 and not the Copa America squad in 2011, but getting that senior-level exposure will do more good than harm. With several other players available on the depth chart, there are still many players waiting for a call-up. Pato, perhaps more motivated by his exclusion from the 2010 team, has scored in all three matches under the new manager. 

Next month, the Seleção faces Argentina in Qatar. This will be a great test for Mano, as he will probably mix in several of his new, younger players with veterans such as Lucio, Julio Cesar and Maicon. So far, it seems Brazil is only focusing on 2014 based on all the young players being capped. If that is the case, do not bet the house on Brazil to win the Copa America.  

 

Argentina Vs. Japan (0-1)

On the other side of the spectrum, you have Sergio Batista’s Argentina. Hardly trying to rebuild, Batista is under a lot of pressure to make up for the mess that Maradona left behind after the World Cup. Considering that Argentina has not won a Copa Am...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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