Brazil vs. Russia: Preview and TV schedule
Russia haven’t lost since Fabio Capello took over but they’ll be facing their toughest test to date in today’s friendly match against Brazil.
Brazil of course are already in the next World Cup as the hosts and Russia on had one qualifier on the schedule during this break.
This match remains important for Brazil and Luiz Felipe Scolari as they work to prepare for what will be considered a must win tournament by their fans next summer. After last week's collapse against Italy that saw Brazil surrender a two-goal lead, there's little doubt Scolari (who is still looking for his first win since returning to Brazil) will be looking for a stronger performance from his side.
The only changes Scolari is expected to make from the draw against Italy is in the defense where the duo of Thiago Silva and Marcelo will likely take over from Dante and Felipe Luis.
Russia still haven’t played their one scheduled qualifier against Northern Ireland thanks to two separate postponements due to snowfall and freezing conditions in Belfast. At this point they’ll probably be happy to just get on a pitch and actually play after the events of the past few days.
Fabio Capello will be without captain Igor Denisov who has picked up an illness, so Roman Shirokov is expected to captain the side. Russia have looked considerably better since Capello took over and are undefeated under their new boss having not lost since their Euro 2012 exit against Greece last summer.
Brazil has never lost to Russia, going back to the days of the Soviet Union, so a win even in a friendly would be a big deal for Capello.
Match Date/Time: 8:30 p.m. local, 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport en Español (U.S.), ITV 4 (U.K.)
