World No. 1 taking nothing for granted

BRAZIL has vowed to reproduce its professional display against Argentina when it faces the Socceroos at the MCG tomorrow night.

The Brazilians sent a scout to Adelaide Oval on Thursday to provide in-depth analysis of Australia’s performance in its 3-2 win against Saudi Arabia.

Striker Gabriel Jesus (broken eye socket) has been ruled out after a clash with Manchester City teammate, Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi, at the MCG on Friday night.

Team manager Edu Gaspar said Brazil saw the Socceroos game as vital preparation for the 2018 World Cup.

“It’s important for us to follow teams, learn about the teams, study them. Australia is the same,” he said.

“They are doing well, they won, they’re close to qualifying for the World Cup, so when teams are close or qualify for World Cups, they have something special.

“No one can go to the World Cup because they are lucky. They’ve done something important, that’s why we respect [Australia] a lot and we’re focusing on playing well against them.

“We’re not sure yet [about changes, coach] Tite [will decide], but our expectations are the same as when we played Argentina. When Brazil goes onto the pitch, we want to do our best and we’re very excited to play a good game and play our best.”

Edu, who came across from Corinthians along with coach Tite a year ago, was thrilled to have already qualified for the Russia 2018, which has enabled them to rest stars Neymar, Marcello, Dani Alves and Roberto Firmino.