Porto Alegre will host a familiar South American meeting on Saturday as Brazil’s women welcome Argentina to the Beira-Rio for the opening match of their October international window. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30, with the sides due to meet again in Recife three days later.
The news from the club
Brazil will be led from the touchline by assistant coach Rodrigo Iglesias, as Arthur Elias serves a suspension following his dismissal during June’s friendly against the United States.
Three Brazil players are also unavailable for the match in Rio Grande do Sul. Defender Tarciane and forwards Kerolin and Bia Zaneratto were sent off in the 1-0 defeat to the United States in Fortaleza and must sit out the first Argentina game. All three were nevertheless included in the squad, with Elias planning to rotate extensively between the two friendlies and use them in the return fixture.
The Brazil staff intend to give every player minutes across the double-header while exploring different tactical options. The squad selection reflects that flexibility: winger Tamara Bolt has been considered as a full-back, while Maiara, previously selected as a midfielder, has joined the forward group.
Brazil could begin with Lorena in goal; Isa Haas, Mariza and Tayla in defence; Bruninha or Isabela, Duda Sampaio, Angelina and Raíssa Bahia across midfield; and Geyse, Tainá Maranhão and Priscila in attack.
Argentina arrive under Germán Portanova without reported absences. Their group includes two players based in Brazil: São Paulo’s Maricel Pereyra and Bragantino’s Catalina Del Trecco. Pereyra is competing with Falfán for a place in the starting side.
There is also a return for Boca Juniors player Celeste dos Santos, back in the Argentina set-up after maternity leave. Argentina’s most recent victory over Brazil came in September 2014, when they won 2-0 in the Copa América.
A possible Argentina XI is Esponda; Roggerone, Cometti, Reche and Stabile; Bonsegundo, Kishi, Falfán or Pereyra, and Sofía Dominguez; Holzheier and Ongaro.
The historical record heavily favours Brazil. In 21 meetings recorded by FIFA, Brazil have won 18 times, with one draw and two Argentine victories. Brazil have scored 73 goals in those encounters and conceded 14.
From Porto Alegre to Recife
The Beira-Rio match is the first of two October friendlies between the neighbours. Brazil and Argentina will reconvene on Tuesday at Arena de Pernambuco in Recife, where the second fixture begins at 20:30.
Saturday’s match will be shown live in Brazil by Globo, SporTV and ge tv.
