Brazil x USA possible starting line-ups 10 August 2010

A new beginning for Brazil as Mano Menezes takes charge for the first time

38 days after their exit from the World Cup, Brazil return to action when they take on the USA in the New Meadowlands stadium.

Brazil disappointed in South Africa. Quite rightly Dunga shouldered much of the blame after a squad crammed with defensive players and very little creative quality went out to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

With the Mano Menezes era about to begin, many are hoping for a return to a more flamboyant, attack-minded Brazil. Menezes, though, is a cautious coach who has always favoured defence over attack. So, we shouldn’t expect a radical change in approach. However, the initial signs are encouraging and Menezes’ squad is packed with exciting players such as Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar and André Ribeiro. Relative unknowns Jucilei, Éderson and Rafael are also given a chance. Only four players from the World Cup squad have been called up: Daniel Alves, Robinho, Ramires and Thiago Silva.

USA coach, Bob Bradley, has recalled ten of the players that appeared in South Africa. The US were a little unfortunate to go out to Ghana in the last sixteen. Under Bradley, the USA have become a competent and competitive outfit that don’t always get the credit they deserve and it wouldn’t be beyond them to surprise the Brazilians this evening.

USA (possible): Howard, Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Bornstein, Donovan, Edu, Bradley, Kljestan, Altidore, Findley

Coach: Bob Bradley

Brazil (possible): Victor, Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, André Santos, Lucas, Ramires, Ganso, Robinho, Neymar, Alexandre Pato

Coach: Mano Menezes

Date: 10/08/2010

Kick-off: 21:00 Brasília. 20:00 ET. 01:00 London
Venue: New Meadowlands stadium, New Jersey, USA

Officials: Silviu Petrescu, Joe Fletcher, Daniel Belleau (all Canada)