Five-time World Cup champion Brazil will bring most of its top guns to an upcoming football friendly against South Korea.
FC Barcelona forward Neymar will headline the 23-man roster for the world No. 8 Brazil, which will visit Seoul World Cup Stadium on Oct. 12 for its fifth meeting against South Korea. Brazil has won three of the four previous matches between the teams.
At a news conference, head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he was looking forward to having Neymar's services up front.
"It is interesting and good (to see him playing) in a team that doesn't play just for him," Scolari said of the 21-year-old who joined Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos this summer. "His arrival at Barcelona gives him extra strength which he didn't have beforehand."
Neymar has netted 26 goals in 42 games for Brazil.
Sixteen of 23 players on this Brazilian squad are playing for overseas clubs, including Real Madrid defender Marcelo and Chelsea midfielder Oscar.
Brazil, on the other hand, will be without veteran goalkeeper Julio Cesar and defender Thiago Silva, both sidelined with injuries. Victor, with only five international matches under his belt, is one of three keepers on Scolari's team.
After South Korea, Brazil travels to Beijing to face Zambia three days later. Scolari said these matches will "provide opportunities" for fringe players to make their way into the World Cup picture.
As the host, Brazil has automatically qualified for the event.
South Korea will announce its roster at a news conference in Seoul next Monday.
In six matches under Hong Myung-bo, South Korea has managed one win against two losses and three draws, while scoring six goals and giving up five. (Yonhap News)
