Thursday afternoon at the Red Bull training facility in East Hanover, NJ, provided the first real insight into Dunga’s prospective first team for Saturday’s clash with Costa Rica.
After the players warmed up with a traditional game of piggy-in-the-middle, the team were split into two clear teams in a short game with full sides, as third choice goalkeeper Alisson sat out.
The game was strongly contested, and left the likes of Kaka, Coutinho, Lucas Moura and Rafinha Alcantara with one final training session to prove to the coaching staff that they deserve a place in the first team.
The side in the white bibs were clearly designated as what is Dunga’s first XI, which looks set to start Brazil’s first match following June’s Copa America. It included Santos playmaker Lucas Lima, who now looks poised to make his debut at Red Bull Arena this weekend.
The recalled Hulk took his place as the false No.9, seemingly relegating Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino to the bench.
There was a surprise in goal as Marcelo Grohe replaced Jefferson, leaving the Gremio man on the verge of making his international debut as a starter. Marcelo came in at left-back and was expected to start after Filipe Luis withdrew from the squad through injury, while Fernandinho replaced Elias in midfield.
Captain Neymar is suspended for the first two World Cup qualifiers, which will be played in October, and Dunga appears ready to test his side without the Barcelona star. Douglas Costa came in on the left side, though Neymar became a 12th man and played for whichever side had possession.
Brazil's first team in Thursday's training session (4-2-3-1): Marcelo Grohe; Danilo, Miranda, David Luiz, Marcelo; Fernandinho, Luiz Gustavo; Willian, Lucas Lima, Douglas Costa; Hulk.
At half-time of the training match, Roberto Firmino replaced Hulk, Elias replaced Fernandinho, suggesting Dunga will take another look at at least two positions when the side train at Red Bull Arena.
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