Defending champions Brazil will go head to head against neighbors and fierce rivals Colombia, during their second Group B clash of the Toulon Tournament on Saturday, in what will be the repeat of the final of last year’s competition.
The Brazilians made a solid start to their campaign as they managed to see off the challenge posed by South Korea in their first group match, beating the Asian side 2-0 through goals from Thalles and Luan. The exciting young crop of Brazilian players are certainly one of the favorites to win the competition and will be looking to move into top spot of Group B by claiming all three points against Colombia as well.
Colombia have not featured in this year’s tournament as of yet and will be starting their campaign against the team that denied them victory in the last edition of the competition, Brazil. Revenge will firmly be on the minds of the Colombian players but at the same time, they will also need to approach the game with calmness and stick to their game plan against a very dangerous Brazilian side.
Brazil
Brazil put in a very good performance during their victory over South Korea in their first group game and manager Alexandre Gallo is likely to not change his team around too much against Colombia.
Marcos will be starting in goal and will be shielded by a defence consisting of the likes of Gilberto, Marquinhos, Wendell and captain Doria.
Rodrigo Caiois most likely to be marshaling the midfield alongside Lucas Evangelista and Alisson. Brazil’s three-pronged attack will probably see Thalles, Leandro and Ademilson start but the likes of Lucas Piazon and Luan are also in contention as the duo made a good impression after coming off the bench in the last group game.
Colombia
Colombia have not featured in the competition as of yet and there are very few pointers as to how manager Carlos Alberto Restrepo Isaza will lineup his team.
Cristian Bonilla should be starting in goal while the likes of Jherson Vergara, Deivy Balanta, Andres Correa Valencia and Felipe Aguilar Mendoza look the likely back four.
Jose David Leudo, Pedro Osorio, Sebastian Perez and Juan Fernando Quintero will probably lineup in midfield but the likes of Cristian Palomeque, Jaine Barreiro and Luis Hernando Mena Sepulveda are also in contention.
Isaza will have a host of strikers to choose from but Jhon Cordoba and Harrison Mojica look the most likely partnership upfront while Italy based duo Miguel Borja and Brayan Perea will have to be content with a place on the bench.
Probable Lineups
Brazil: Marcos; Gilberto, Marquinhos, Doria, Wendell; Rodrigo Caio, Lucas Evangelista, Alisson, Leandro, Piazon; Thalles
Colombia: Bonilla; Vergara, Balanta, Valencia, Mendoza; Leudo, Osorio, Perez, Quintero; Cordoba, Mojica
Prediction
It is a clash between arguably the two of the most formidable teams in the competition. Brazil were able to get the better of Colombia during the last edition of the tournament, but the Los Cafeteros will be desperate to make amends this time around.
The two sides look very closely matched and the game could be decided by the odd goal. A loss for either side could prove detrimental in their hopes of making it into the final of the competition, so it would be understandable if the match is a cagey affair.
The clash will be a fascinating tactical battle and a draw looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Brazil 1 – 1 Colombia
Venue: Stade Perruc, Hyeres
Date: 24/05/2014
Kick-off: 9:00 AM Pacific
TV Schedule: beIN Sports Play
