Johannesburg – The match against Bafana Bafana is a vital part of the team's preparation for the 2014 Fifa World Cup, says Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The Samba Boys take on South Africa in a friendly international at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
The five-times world champions were drawn in the same group as Cameroon for the World Cup, and South Africa's style of play could provide a clearer idea of what Brazil should expect from their West African opposition.
“When we decided to play against African opposition, we always had in mind that we would be facing African opposition in the World Cup Ä in this instance Cameroon,” Scolari said in Johannesburg.
Joining Brazil and Cameroon in group A are Croatia and Mexico.
In further preparations, Scolari said Brazil would face opponents more appropriate to their other two group A games.
“We also have games scheduled against Serbia and Panama which will help with our world cup preparation.
“Obviously, it will be different as every team has their own different characteristics.”
The current world number nine-ranked Brazil brought a full-strength side to Johannesburg and Wednesday's friendly will be their final fixture before their 23-man World Cup squad will be announced. – Sapa