Senegal faces Brazil in Singapore

Brazilian assistant coach Cleber Xavier expects a real test.

The five-time world champion plays his first match against Senegal in a friendly on Thursday October 10th at 8pm at the multisport stadium in Kallang, Singapore.

Brazil will also face Nigeria for the second time in its history, again in friendly matches in Singapore.

"Senegal are a very well trained and very strong team," Xavier told BBC Sport.

"They conceded few goals in the last African Cup of Nations with interesting players like Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gueye, Ismaila Sarr on the wing is an individual player and in the center M'Baye Niang plays role of pivot, support for Sarr and Mane ", continued the assistant coach of Seleçao.

"It's a direct team looking for Mane with the long ball, a transition from defense to attack, with an attack around him – it's a demanding team."

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Nigeria's only encounter with Seleçao dates back to 2003, when Gil, Luis Fabiano and Adriano Leite scored goals that led the Super Eagles to a 0-3 loss to Abuja.

This time, Alex Iwobi is designated as the player who can bring the danger on behalf of Nigeria.

"In Nigeria, Iwobi plays a more internal role as a second forward than Everton," said Xavier. He is the strong link of the counter-attack, pulls the opponents out of position and infiltrates well into the box ".

"Nigeria defends less than Senegal, Senegalese are more focused on positioning with a very strong Gueye score," said Seleçao assistant coach

After winning this year's Copa America, Brazil plans to use the friendly matches to prepare for the start of the World Cup qualifiers, which will begin next March.

"These two friendlies and the other two friendlies in November will allow us to test new players, adjust and refine some tactical details in attack and defense," Xavier explains.

"We did it as part of the preparation for the Copa America, we managed to win and we did it by being undefeated, and every time the qualifications become more difficult, it's a tough competition. last time we qualified, we had four innings to play, which was a great feat, "says the Brazilian technician.

After Senegal on October 10, Nigeria faces Brazil on October 13th.