BRAZIL NEXT

Five-time world champions Brazil will be taking on Honduras in a friendly match in November. Honduras are regarded as one of the minnows in world football. Even though they have done well in recent World Cup qualifying matches, they are expected to be no match for the resilience.

Brazil’s manager Luiz Felipe Scolari decided to hand debuts to a number of lesser-known players in the hope that they would be enough to win this match. However, the former Chelsea manager has confirmed that Brazil are not taking their opposition lightly.

Scolari has recalled the 2-0 defeat he suffered at the hands of Honduras, which led to a lot of criticism from the fans. He is not ready to suffer a second defeat against Honduras. Hence, he will be naming a strong starting line-up. Brazil are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, which will be held in their home soil. The presence of stars like Neymar and Oscar helped them win the Confederations cup, which has increased to the expectations amongst fans and media. Scolari, though, is staying realistic about the chances of Brazil winning the tournament.

“I don’t agree that they offer no threat. I was beaten 0-2 by them in Copa América when I was Brazil’s manager and everyone was angry. So Honduras do pose a challenge as they have nothing to lose. We will have to keep playing according to the idea that every game is worth three points. We understand this game is part of the preparation, regardless of the opponent, like Panama or Costa Rica, as we are not playing the World Cup Qualifiers,” said Scolari.
Even though he says the home team have a great opportunity, the threat from the likes of Spain and Italy cannot be dismissed. Scolari has the experience of getting Brazil to World Cup success in 2002.