That one’s going to sting
Brazil played Croatia this afternoon at Anfield, in one of those international friendlies that for some reason is held in a neutral country. But nonetheless, the stands were pretty full, such is the attraction of seeing the samba stars in action – Philippe Coutinho in particular for many of the locals.
Brazil lined up with what is almost their strongest XI. The only changes likely to be made by Tite for the World Cup are the return of Neymar on the left wing, which could see Coutinho pushed inside to midfield in place of Fernandinho, or out to the right in place of Willian.
The defensive line was as you’d expect to see start in Russia though, with Marcelo, Miranda, Thiago Silva and Danilo starting. Silva was Brazil captain at the previous World Cup but missed their infamous 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany through suspension. And he’ll count himself lucky that he won’t be missing the opening game of this summer’s tournament after he escaped without any lasting damage from Andrej Kramarić’s horror tackle today.
The former Leicester striker slid towards Silva at a very slow pace but kept his boot in the air and left his studs on the Brazilian defender’s knee. Silva leapt up in pain but thankfully he was able to continue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwSAoZ5K4n0&feature=youtu.be&a=
There’s no need for that sort of thing in a friendly, Andrej.
