FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.05.2010 10:35

Barça’s World Cup: Brazil (III)

Jesús Carrillo

Daniel Alves is preparing to play in the World Cup Finals for the first time after being included in the Brazil squad for the tournament in South Africa,. A Seleção are clear favourites to win the trophy for the sixth time.

Since making his international debut four years ago Alves has helped his country to win the Copa América in 2007, when he scored in the final against Argentina, and the Confederations Cup last summer in South Africa, when he netted in the semi finals.

Group stage

Dunga’s side have been placed in Group G in the World Cup and face a tough task as they take on Portugal, Ivory Coast, when Alves is likely to face club mate Touré Yaya, and also North Korea, whom they face in their opening encounter in Johannesburg on June 15.

Next up

If Brazil win their group then they will meet the runners-up from Group H in the next stage. Group H contains Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland and the Canarinho will have to be at their best to ensure that they do not make an early exit against any of those sides.

History books

The Brazilians will be playing against North Korea and Ivory Coast for the first time in official competition, but they have met Portugal before. In the World Cup Finals in 1966 in England the countries met in Liverpool in a game that saw Pelé pick up an injury that ruled him for the rest of the tournament. The Portuguese won 3-1.