New look Brazil to test Morocco in Tangier

Interim Brazil coach Ramon Menezes has called up ten newcomers for the first post World Cup game for the Seleçao in the north of Morocco.

Temporary Brazil head coach Ramon Menezes has called up ten newcomers as the Brazilian national team makes its 2023 debut against the semifinalists of the 2022 World Cup in Tangier with the action at the sold-out Ibn Batouta stadium getting underway at 6pm (ET).

This will be the first test for the Seleção since the disappointment of their 2022 World Cup quarter-final exit to Croatia after losing on penalty kicks. The game in Morocco will also offer the Brazilian FA (CBF) an opportunity to pay tribute Pele who passed away in late December 2022 with tonight’s game being the first Brazi international since the death of one of the greatest players of all time.

All Seleçao players will wear a commemorative jersey with Pelé's name emblazoned on the reverse of the shirts with a minute of applause planned before the start of the match as a mark of respect to ‘O Rei’.

Ten new players have been called up be interim coach Ramon Menezes with plenty of debutants expected in Saturday’s clash with Morocco.

Among them are five from the South American U-20 Championship with keeper Mycael, defenders Arthur, Robert Renan, midfielder Andrey and centre forward Vitor Roque all looking to pull on the famous yellow shirt for the first time at senior level.

1 - Ederson, 2 - Emerson Royal, 3 - Eder Militão, 4 - Bremer, 5 - Casemiro, 6 - Alex Telles, 7 - Lucas Paquetá, 8 - Andrey, 9 - Yuri Alberto, 10 - Rodrygo, 11 - Vini Jr., 12 - Weverton, 13 - Arthur, 14 - Ibañez, 15 - Robert, 16 - Renan lodi, 17 - André, 18 - João Gomes, 19 - Vitor Roque, 20 - Raphael Veiga, 21 - Antony, 22 - Rony, 23 - Mycael

Following an incredible semi-final berth at the 2022 World Cup, there is an added level of interest in the Atlas Lions friendly game at a sold-out stadium in Tangier. Ahead of Saturday’s game, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui admitted he was looking forward to taking on one of the greatest footballing nations at home.

“Brazil is the country of football. Despite their elimination at the last World Cup, it is still the best team in the world. So we will come with humility, but wanting to create a surprise. Winning this game after the World Cup would be incredible,” said the head coach.

“We will play at home in a stadium that will be totally ours. We want to show respect to Brazil and its anthem. We want to see the Moroccans, together, making noise,” he said.