Zimbabwe’s caretaker coach Norman Mapeza is upbeat ahead of his team’s historic clash against Brazil at Harare’s National Sports Stadium.

Speaking after the team's first training session at the stadium's B Arena on Sunday, Mapeza, a former captain of the national team, said his charges will not be intimidated by the prospect of facing the South Americans.

"I am happy with the response to the call-up for camp by the players despite the short notice given for this game,” the coach said to The Herald.

"We would love to have them for a few more days because at the moment it is really difficult to tell who is fit and who is not. I think we will have to talk to them individually and find out their state and fitness levels," Mapeza said.

Acclimatising

Brazil were mobbed on their arrival in Zimbabwe, a country that has been suffering untold economic and political hardship. The city was decked out in green and yellow in the presence of the Samba superstars, who were taken to their hotel under police escort.

The Brazil midfielder, Felipe Melo, told Globoesporte that he was confident that the team's presence could help put a smile on people's faces in the blighted region.

He said: "I know that Zimbabwe is a country of many political fights and murders. It's nice having the opportunity to bring joy to a suffering country. I am very happy to be in this game. It will be nice."

The South Americans are warming up in Harare as the conditions in the Zimbabwean capital are similar to those in South Africa. Dunga's side will face Tanzania on June 7 in their final rehearsal before the tournament proper.

Form Guide

Zimbabwe


May 22 Seychelles 2-4 Zimbabwe (CHAN)

Mar 28 Zimbabwe 3-0 Swaziland (CHAN)

Mar 13 Swaziland 1-2 Zimbabwe (CHAN)

Jan 27 South Africa 3-0 Zimbabwe (Friendly)

Jan 1 Syria 6-0 Zimbabwe (Friendly)

Brazil

Mar 3 Ireland 0-2 Brazil (Friendly)

Nov 17 Oman 0-2 Brazil (Friendly)

Nov 14 England 0-2 Brazil (Friendly)

Oct 14 Brazil 0-0 Venezuela (WCQ)

Oct 11 Bolivia 2-1 Brazil (WCQ)

Team News

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have injury worries over star striker Benjani Mwaruwari, a former team-mate of Robinho, who has been battling a niggling knee injury. He did make time to greet the Brazilians at the airport on their arrival though.

Possible Line-up: Sibanda, Mapemba, Zhaimu Jambu, Zvenyka Makonese, Noel Kaseke; Karuru, Tarumbwa, Swesse, Mashego; Benjani, Knowledge.

Brazil

No surprises expected from Dunga although Julio Baptista may come in for Elano.

Possible Line-up: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos; Gilberto, Felipe Melo, Elano, Kaka, Robinho; Luis Fabiano

Players to Watch

Zimbabwe

Benjani will be eager to impress his former colleague and show what his national side can do. Zimbabwe are on a three-match winning streak and will look to their Premier League based star striker for inspiration.

Brazil

Dunga knows his line-up and is not afraid to lay his cards on the table. However, this match could provide an opportunity for an eye-catching cameo from one of his fringe men. To this end, it could be left to the likes of Nilmar or Grafite to grab the goalscoring headlines.

Prediction

Although the five-time world champions will be in stroll mood, they will still possess too much edge for the Africans.

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil

By Special correspondent