I didn’t realise Dante was so cool. I take my hat off (Mowa Press)

Brazil take on Switzerland in a friendly match in Basel on Wednesday. After battering  Spain and winning the Confederations Cup in some style, it’ll be interesting to see how Brazil perform in this match. In their earlier friendlies in Europe this year, like their defeat to England and lacklustre performance against Russia, which I saw live, I’m hoping that Brazil put on a good show. It does sound a bit like a walk in the park but Switzerland have only conceded one goal in seven World Cup qualifiers? Did anybody know that??? Don’t expect a goalfest I’m afraid. Here is the full squad:

Julio Cesar, Jefferson

Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante

Dani Alves, Jean, Marcelo, Maxwell

Fernando, Hernanes, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Lucas, Oscar

Hulk, Bernard, Neymar, Fred, Jo

Not many changes to the Copa America squad really. And why would there be. Interesting that Maxwell has been called up at left back. And, as if to celebrate, he scored the equaliser for PSG against Montpellier in a 1-1 draw (Edinson Cavani’s first league game for them). Maxwell has always been a bit of a nearly man in my eyes. Surely Adriano (from Barca – who scored a great goal in a friendly against Santos by the way) is a better bet there. Any thoughts on Big Phil’s lineup?

This is what the Brazilian’s think (as per a simple thumbs up or thumbs down vote on the UOL website).

1. Thiago Silva – 92.5%
2. Neymar – 92.3%
3. Paulinho – 92.2%
4. Oscar – 88.1%
5. David Luiz – 87.8%
6. Marcelo – 87.6%
7. Lucas – 84.3%
8. Bernard – 83.6%
9. Dani Alvez – 82.7%
10. Julio Cesar – 81.2%

Maxwell (55.0%), Fernando (44.3%) and Jean (40.9%) were the least popular.

Kick off time is 15.45 in Brazil and 19.45 UK.

The next friendly will be on September 7^th, at home (Brasilia) to Australia.

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