South Florida soccer fans are getting a chance to relive the excitement of the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals between rivals Brazil and Colombia right here at home.
The two South American powerhouses are coming together this Friday at Sun Life Stadium for the much-anticipated rematch of the World Cup, where Brazil ended Colombia’s historic quarterfinal appearance by beating them 2-1.
Brazil’s return to the pitch since their humiliating 7-1 loss in the semi-finals against Germany will give them a chance to defend their win against the Cafeteros.
Colombia’s squad lead by coach Jose Pekerman, includes some of its biggest international soccer starts like striker Radamel Falcao Garcia (Manchester United) who missed the World Cup due to a knee injury, Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez (Real Madrid), defender Pablo Armero (AC Milan), Teofilio Gutierrez (River Plate), Juan Caudrado (Florentina), and goalie David Ospina (Arsenal).
While many fans feel the re-match here in Miami is a chance for Colombia to seek revenge against Brazil, World Cup top scorer James Rodriguez said he feels different.
“This is just another game, I think we shouldn’t take this as a revenge game,” Rodriguez said. “Our job is to go out and play, and win that’s all.”
Leading the Brazil side will be team manager Carlos Verri better known as “Dunga” who brings back only 10 of the 23 players who made up the World Cup squad.
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Among them is star striker Neymar (Barcelona) who left the World Cup early with a back injury, defender David Luiz (Paris Saint Germain) Oscar (Chelsea) and last minute additions are Fernandinho (Manchester City) and Marcelo (Real Madrid). Hulk and Thiago are injured. Dani Alves and Fred are off the team.
This is Brazil’s first of two friendly games that will be played in the U.S the second will be played against Ecuador on September 9th in New Jersey.
The game is set for Friday September 5th at 8:30pm at Sun Life Stadium and NBC6 will be there to bring you all the latest on this exciting FIFA re-match playing out right her at home.
