By DAN KARELL
Perhaps luckily not in front of their home supporters, Brazil takes the field for the first time on Friday evening since their debacle at the end of the 2014 World Cup.
The Selecao, who were unceremoniously humiliated, 7-1, by Germany in the World Cup semifinals and then routed, 3-0, by the Netherlands in the third-place game, take on South American rivals Colombia in a rematch from the World Cup quarterfinals. It’s the first game back in charge for Brazil coach Dunga, and he’s selected a squad with a mix of veterans and young prospects to take on James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, and Los Cafeteros.
Brazilian star Neymar was injured late in the match against Colombia, and with this friendly match in Miami being his first appearance since the injury, Neymar has come full circle.
Also in action this weekend, UEFA Euro 2016 qualification begins, with Germany hosting Scotland, France visiting Serbia, and Portugal hosting Albania to kick off the qualification action. African Cup of Nations qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday afternoon, with the Ivory Coast hosting Sierra Leone in a must-watch affair.
Although it’s an international break, MLS remains in full swing with less than 10 weeks to go until the start of the playoffs. The LA Galaxy host the Colorado Rapids on NBC Sports Network on Friday evening. On Saturday, the New York Red Bulls host Sporting KC in what should be a thrilling Eastern Conference clash.
Here’s a full listing of this weekend’s schedule (and where to watch) after the jump:
FRIDAY
1 p.m. — beIN Sports USA – Sudan vs. South Africa
5 p.m. — ESPN3 – Penn State vs. North Carolina (women’s soccer)
7 p.m. — ESPN3 – Florida vs. Florida State (women’s soccer)
7:30 p.m. — Arkansas vs. Duke women’s soccer — ESPN3
9 p.m. — Brazil vs. Colombia — beIN Sports USA
10:30 p.m. — LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids — NBC Sports
SATURDAY
1 p.m. — Ivory Coast vs. Sierra Leone — beIN Sports en Espanol/beIN Sports Connect
2 p.m. — Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union — Univision Deportes
2 p.m. — Defensor Sporting vs. Peñarol — GOLTV USA
5:30 p.m. — Flamengo vs. Gremio — GOLTV USA
7 p.m. — Minnesota United vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies — ESPN3
7:30 p.m. — New York Red Bulls vs. Sporting Kansas City — NBC Sports/MLS Live
7:30 p.m. — Syracuse vs. St. John’s — ESPN3
8:30 p.m. — Houston Dynamo vs. Montreal Impact — MLS Live
10 p.m. — Vancouver Whitecaps vs. D.C. United — MLS Live
10 p.m. — Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas — MLS Live
10 p.m. — Chile vs. Mexico — ESPN3, Univision Deportes
SUNDAY
12 p.m. — Georgia vs. Ireland — ESPN3
12 p.m. — Hungary vs. Northern Ireland — Fox Sports 2 USA
12 p.m. — Denmark vs. Armenia — ESPN3/ESPN Deportes
12 p.m. — Arkansas vs. North Carolina women’s soccer — ESPN3
2 p.m. — Serbia vs. France — Fox Sports 2 USA
2:30 p.m. — Penn State vs. Duke women’s soccer — ESPN3
2:45 p.m. — Germany vs. Scotland — Fox Sports 1 USA
2:45 p.m. — Gibraltar vs. Poland — Fox Soccer Plus
2:45 p.m. — Faroe Islands vs. Finland — ESPN3
2:45 p.m. — Greece vs. Romania — ESPN3
2:45 p.m. — Portugal vs. Albania — ESPN2/ESPN Deportes
3 p.m. — Columbus Crew vs. Chivas USA — MLS Live/Univision Deportes
5 p.m. — Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes — ESPN2/ESPN Deportes/MLS Live
5 p.m. — Costa Rica vs. Panama — Univision Deportes
5 p.m. — Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Universidad de Guadalajara — UniMas
7 p.m. — New England vs. Chicago Fire — MLS Live
7 p.m. — Guatemala vs. Belize — Univision Deportes
9 p.m. — Honduras vs. El Salvador — Univision Deportes
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Which MLS games are you looking forward to? Will you go out of your way to catch any of the international matches this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
is that a pic of the play when Zuniga kneed Neymar?
Looks like it. Media trying to rehash old feelings to draw viewers etc
going to the Brazil – Colombia match with 70,000 of my closest friends.
Judging by the match location and your username, I’m curious what your thoughts are on a potential MLS club in Miami and whether or not you would attend matches when/if they create a club there?
This is one of the best weekly articles. Good info here.
Agreed!