Robinho: We can show Brazil is the best

Brazil captain Robinho is confident that Brazil can put on an impressive display in tomorrow night's friendly against France at the Stade de France in Paris. In an interview before training on Tuesday, Robinho was questioned about the 1998 World Cup final between the two teams at the same venue, which the hosts won 3-0.

'I remember Zidane having a spectacular game. In football unfortunately defeats happen. But this is in the past. Now, Brazil has a chance to show that Brazil has the best football in the world', said Robinho.


Robinho confident

Coach Mano Manezes has called up five uncapped players including Manchester United's Rafael for tomorrow's friendly. Manezes's hand has been forced to an extent as he can only call on European based players and also cannot choose any of Brazil's under 20s notably Santos starlet Neymar as they are currently involved in the under 20 Copa America in Peru.

Manezes looks set to give a set to hand a first start to Bayer Leverkusen's Renato Augusto in midfield alongside Liverpool's Lucas, Lazio's Hernanes, and Elías, who recently moved to Atletico Madrid from Corinthians.

Júlio César returns in goal for his first appearance since the World Cup. Robinho will captain the team alongside the returning Alexandre Pato up front.


Manezes takes training in Paris

Likely Brazil line-up. 4-2-2-2

Júio César (Inter Milan)-David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), André Santos (Fenerbache)-Lucas (Liverpool), Elías (Atlético Madrid), Hernanes (Lazio), Renato Augusto  (Bayer Leverkusen)- Robinho (AC Milan, captain), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan).

Brazil will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Argentina in their last match. This brought an abrupt end to Manezes' honeymoon as coach, having won his first three matches in charge against more modest opposition. The priority for 2011 will be to defend the Copa America in Argentina in July.

France have proved a tough opponent for Brazil in the past. As well as their 1998 triumph, les Bleus knocked the selecao out of the 2006 World Cup quarter finals in the last meeting of the teams. France also eliminated Brazil at the same stage of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Under new coach Laurent Blanc they have shown a huge improvement after their disastrous showing in South Africa. Striker Karim Benzema, who was omitted from the World Cup squad, is likely to pose the main threat to Brazil tomorrow night.

I am pleased to say that this blogger will be attending tomorrow night's game and I hope to share my thoughts on it tomorrow night providing I can find an internet  connection.