Liverpool superstar Philippe Coutinho will captain a new-look Brazil side in tonight's blockbuster friendly against the Caltex Socceroos at the MCG.
Brazil boss Tite confirmed that Coutinho - who celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday – would lead the Selecao for the first time against the Asian champions.
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In an unusual move, the Brazil manager also confirmed his side’s starting line-up for the clash with the Socceroos at the pre-match press conference, more than 24 hours prior to kick-off.
There are eight changes to the side which lost to Argentina 1-0 on Friday night.
BRAZIL STARTING XI v CALTEX SOCCEROOS
Diego Alves, Rafinha, Thiago Silva, Rodrigo Caio, Alex Sandro, David Luiz, Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho, Giuliano, Diego Souza, Douglas Costa.
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COUTINHO ON ‘PHYSICAL’ SOCCEROOS
“There is a need for caution because of the physical football of Australia,” Coutinho said via a translator at the pre-match press conference.
“I think all the players are prepared for this game and the style of Australia. It will be a competitive game.
“They have players with quality. They are strong, they are tall. It’s different from what we find in Europe so we are all prepared for this.”
BRAZIL BOSS WARY OF SOCCEROO SET PIECES
“They [Socceroos] have won their last game in qualification. They have a triangulation style of play, they keep possession of the ball.
"They changed their system recently and start to win the matches,” Brazil coach Tite said via a translator.
“The free kicks from them are really strong. They have technical quality and they have this physical style of play because of the tall players. They are really strong.”
