:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46491784/usa-today-7970525.0.jpg)
In their final friendly before the Copa America, Mexico is taking on global power Brazil. In their two previous friendlies, El Tri beat Guatemala, 3-0, and limped to a 1-1 draw against Peru on Wednesday night. After today's match, Brazil has a friendly against Honduras before diving into the Copa America.
These two countries have played each other 27 times, with 15 wins for Brazil, 8 wins for Mexico, and 4 draws. They played to a scoreless draw at the 2014 World Cup during the group stage.
Mexico has brought a "B" squad to to Chile and are saving star players like Carlos Vela, Hector Herrera, and Javier Chicharito Hernandez for the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this summer. Former New York Red Bulls designated player Rafa Marquez is on the squad; the defender and midfielder currently plays for Hellas Verona in Serie A and helped lead them to a 13th place finish this past season. Manager Miguel Herrera insists that his club will be looking to make an impact in South America, having finished second twice (1993, 2001) and third three times (1997, 1999, 2007).
Brazil, managed by Carlos Dunga, are coming off a disappointing fourth place finish in the 2014 World Cup that they hosted. The Canarinho have won Copa America eight times. This is their first match since March (a 1-0 win over Chile) and they are currently on an eight-match winning streak. It appears that Brazil will be missing Santos striker Robinho due to a problem with his right knee. Also missing for Brazil are Diego Alves, Marcelo, Oscar, and Luiz Gustavo.
Mexico is in Group A and will take on Bolivia (June 12th), tournament hosts Chile (June 15th), and Ecuador (June 19th). Brazil, in Group C, are competing with Peru (June 14th), Colombia (June 17th), and Venezuela (June 21st).
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2 tie.
WHO Brazil vs Mexico
WHEN 4 p.m., Sunday, June 7th
WHERE Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, Brazil
TV Univision
***************************************************
Mexico roster: Jose Corona, Alfredo Talavera, Meliton Hernandez, Julio Dominguez, Hugo Ayala, Rafa Marquez, Carlos Salcedo, Juan Valenzuela, Gerardo Flores, Adrian Aldrete, George Corral, Efrain Velarde, Juan Carlos Medina, Javier Guemez, Marco Fabian, Luis Montes, Javier Aquino, Mario Osuna, Jesus Corona, Raul Jimenez, Enrique Esqueda, Vicente Vuoso, Eduardo Herrera
Brazil roster: Jefferson, Neto, Marcelo Grohe, Danilo, Miranda, David Luiz, Marquinhos, Felipe Luis, Fabinho, Thiago Silva, Geferson, Elias, Douglas Costa, Casemiro, Fred, Roberto Firmino, Willian, Everton Ribeiro, Philippe Coutinho, Fernandinho, Robinho, Diego Tardelli, Neymar