Australia will face off against footballing powerhouses Brazil later this year at the MCG as they prepare for their upcoming Confederations Cup campaign.
The game, scheduled for June 13, will come four days after Brazil face off against arch-rivals Argentina at the same stadium, providing Melbourne football fans with two blockbuster matches within the space of a week.
The match against Brazil will be the final hit-out for the Socceroos before they head to Russia to contest the Confederations Cup, where they will play World Champions Germany, as well as Copa America winners Chile and African Cup of Nations champs Cameroon.
The Socceroos haven’t faced the ‘Seleção’ since the coaching tenure of Holger Osieck back in 2013, when a 6-0 demolition at the hands of Brazil, which was quickly followed by an identical defeat against Frace, saw the German head coach replaced by current manager Ange Postecoglou in the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup.
While it is not yet known what squad Brazil will send to Australia, they are expected to boast a strong line-up with the likes of Barcelona’s Neymar, Chelsea’s David Luiz and Liverpool’s attacking duo Phillipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino all in the mix to set foot on the hallowed MCG turf.
Stuart John Pearson Adv Dip Acctg
Guest
This is giving the Socceroos a warm up match for Germany in Sochi. Probably will be thrashed by both teams.i.e Brazil in Melbourne and Germany in Sochi. Die Mannschaft (The team) will take the Sochi match more serious than the friendlies in Germany the/die Socceroos have had.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Might have to plan a visit myself back to see the in-laws in England. She can visit them, I'll watch the football. :)
punter
Guest
She is going to Russia with me next year!!!!
Nemesis
Guest
I've long gone past getting excited about practice matches. I'll be taking a trip back to Russia in June to watch proper competitive matches: Australia vs Germany: Sochi Australia vs Cameroon: St Petersburg Australia vs Chile: Moscow A Football practice match at the MCG? No thanks, but I hope lots of casuals go & contribute a lot of money to the Australian football economy.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
That's funny, because my wife said yes. She's really looking forward to it.
punter
Guest
Love to go down for this, but the wife said NO!!!!!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Might join you guys. Will be awesome.
AZ_RBB
Guest
What a week that will be. This is exactly the sort of warm up we needed before going into the Confeds Cup.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
Geez. Now I'll have to fork out another $300 odd for tickets for this one as well. Anyway, hopefully we'll be able to be competitive.
Midfielder
Guest
Me too
Midfielder
Guest
Wow did not realise it was that packed.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Looks like I'm going to Melbourne in June
Dan
Guest
Can't wait to see Mooy up against the Brazilians
Sydneysider
Guest
I will be watching on TV, and at least the FFA will make money from these matches because, unfortunately these matches are at the MCG. A terrible stadium to watch football at.
Sydneysider
Guest
Rory let's add on all the games scheduled for 2017: Iraq v Australia - March 23 Australia v UAE - March 28 Australia v S.Arabia – June 8 Australia v Brasil – June 13 Australia v Germany – June 19 Cameroon v Australia – June 22 Chile v Australia – June 25 Japan v Australia - August 31 Australia v Thailand - September 5 There are also FIFA dates for October and November 2017 which might be friendly matches for the Socceroos OR the dreaded 2 leg play off against another Asian opponent. Add in the Brasil v Argentina match on June 9 at the MCG and the Arsenal matches in July against SFC and WSW and there is plenty of football for us to watch.
DB
Guest
It was a good idea to announce this after the Brazil v Argentina tickets went on sale to ensure both games get huge numbers
Square Nostrils
Guest
Good to see the Socceroos up against top drawer opposition again in a friendly on home soil, probably a chance of this on free to air TV?
Rory
Guest
Huge Socceroos schedule for the A-League off-season. Australia v S.Arabia - June 8 Brasil v Argentina - June 9 Australia v Brasil - June 13 Australia v Germany - June 19 Cameroon v Australia - June 22 Chile v Australia - June 25