Coral’s combined France and Brazil international starting XI
France are set to welcome last summer’s World Cup hosts Brazil in a mouth-watering international friendly encounter at the Stade de France.
Didier Deschamps’ French outfit, 6/4 with Coral to win, will aim to build some form and momentum ahead of the country’s hosting of Euro 2016 next year, and their old foes Brazil will provide a stern test on home soil in a warm-up clash.
Ahead of the anticipated match-up in Paris, Coral have put together a combined starting line-up, featuring the best of both current squads. Do you agree with our selections?
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Jefferson (Brazil)
With Hugo Lloris missing out through injury, Brazil’s number one shot-stopper Jefferson is a straight replacement. The talented Botafogo stopper has cemented his spot as Dunga’s first-choice goalkeeper after the retirement of Julio Cesar.
Watch Jefferson make a great save to deny Argentina’s Lionel Messi from the penalty spot in 2014.
Right back: Danilo (Brazil)
The Porto full back has attracted interest from all over Europe with his delightful displays, and Champions League holders Real Madrid look seemingly likely to secure his signature this summer.
Watch Danilo’s fantastic crucial strike against bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon in 2013.
Centre back: Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Brazil’s stalwart defender has enjoyed a successful season with PSG, helping guide them to the summit of the Ligue 1 table and into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Centre back: Raphael Varane (France)
Galacticos defender Varane is tipped for great things at the Bernabeu, with the 21-year-old showing maturity well beyond his years already in his impressive career so far.
Left back: Marcelo (Brazil)
Marcelo will be hoping to banish any lasting memories of his side’s recent El Clasico defeat to Barcelona, having been one of Madrid’s stand out performers at the Nou Camp. The pacey wideman is one of the best full backs in world football, boasting brilliant attacking attributes from a full back position.
Centre midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin (France)
Southampton’s midfield general has been fantastic this current Premier League campaign, helping the Saints unexpectedly challenge for a top four position under the watchful eye of Ronald Koeman.
Centre midfield: Blaise Matuidi (France)
A star performer for French top-flight leaders PSG, Matuidi is a midfield engine that was sensational in both legs against Chelsea in his side’s Champions League progression earlier this year.
The central enforcer is sure to be a key component in France’s bid to claim Euro 2016 in their own backyard next summer.
Watch Matuidi net a brilliant French league goal against Lens earlier this season.
Attacking midfield: Oscar (Brazil)
Chelsea’s Samba star possesses all the accolades needed to become a superstar and, playing in that vital attacking midfield role, Oscar is poised to be a great player for both club and country.
Right forward: Antoine Griezmann (France)
Atletico Madrid marksman Griezmann has netted an impressive 17 goals this term, helping the Spanish league title holders to a Champions League quarter-final with his freescoring performances.
Left forward: Neymar (Brazil)
The current golden boy of Brazilian football, Neymar was a shining light in his country’s shocking World Cup last summer, before being injured. Barcelona’s brilliant forward has settled in rapidly at the Nou Camp and has netted a sublime 26 goals already this season.
Watch Neymar score with a wonderful solo effort against Colombia at the World Cup in 2014.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette (France)
The ferocious French frontman has risen to prominence this season, having struck an incredible 26 times in all competitions for Lyon.
Lacazette has fired himself into the frame for a big-money move to a top European club this summer with his superb showings, and he is sure to be a constant threat to Brazil in his latest international outing.
Dunga’s travelling Samba outfit will be confident of toppling Les Bleus, and are available at 9/5 to do so at the Stade de France.
Read on and enjoy Coral’s preview for the fascinating France v Brazil fixture, here.
