Brazil, the number 1 favorites for winning the World Cup 2018, have their final rehearsal before the tournament in a friendly duel against Austria. The match takes place at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Austria’s capital, Wien, this Sunday afternoon. If you want to place a bet on this match, make sure to first read our Austria vs. Brazil match preview!
Austria
Despite the fact that they failed to book a spot at the World Cup in Russia, Austria have been playing very well recently. Not just in the friendlies this spring, but in the final few matches of the qualifiers aswell. Actually, this team lost only one match since 2016.
Austria’s main strength has been their defense, which is one of the main reasons why Brazil picked them for friendlies. It’s a fact that most of the teams at the World Cup are going to play very defensively against Brazil, so testing their creativity against defensive-minded Austrians is a great way to get ready for the big tournament.
Brazil
It seems that the outcome of this game is in the hands (actually legs) of Brazil players. This team has been playing sensationally for the past couple of years. Actually, the last time they disappointed their fans was four years ago at the World Cup in their own country, when Germany thrashed them 7:1.
Obviously, that defeat is what motivates Brazil players to do well in this tournament. They definitely have the players capable of doing that. The team hasn’t changed too much since the previous World Cup, but their youngsters have become more experienced.
Another great thing about Brazil’s chances is that they’re gonna have Neymar in the team. He’s not yet completely ready, but should be fit for the tournament. That said, we probably won’t see him playing in the match with Austria, at least not from the very beginning. But, we’ll see plenty of other top-class players, including Coutinho, Willian, Marcelo, and so on.
Team News
Austria:
The manager of Austria, Franco Foda, will probably pick his strongest side to play against Brazil, meaning that we should see Arnautovic, Alaba, Burgstaller, and others in the first XI.
Brazil:
Neymar played almost the entire second half in the duel against Croatia last week, but I don’t think Tite will want to push him too much. It’s likely that Brazil’s biggest star will start the game from the bench.
Possible Lineups
Austria:
Siebenhandl – Prodl, Dragovic, Hinteregger – Lainer, Alaba, Baumgartlinger, Grillitsch – Arnautovic, Zulj, Burgstaller
Brazil:
Alisson – Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Marcelo – Casemiro, Paulinho, Fernandinho – Coutihno, Willian, Gabriel Jesus
Austria vs. Brazil Match Prediction
Austria have been playing very well lately, which they showed a few weeks ago when they beat Germany 2:1. The match was also played in Austria, although not in Wien. This time, an even bigger crowd is expected, which is something that’s guaranteed to give their players a lot of boost.
But, the quality is on the side of the away team. Brazil have the talent which makes them the biggest favorite for winning the trophy this summer. Their minds might already be set on the big tournament, but it doesn’t mean they won’t win this match. After all, they’re several times better than Austria.
Austria vs. Brazil Betting Tips
- Brazil @1.55 (bet365)