EXCLUSIVE - Raisa Simplicio
With four straight victories since the World Cup, Brazil return to action in hunt of a perfect five on Friday when they host Uruguay on the Brasil Global Tour.
The clash at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is the Selecao’s biggest test since their quarter-final elimination to Belgium earlier this year and will form a vital part of the Selecao’s preparations for Copa America 2019.
And former World Cup-winner Jorginho is expecting a very strong Uruguay side following their impressive performances in Russia.
"Uruguay had a very good World Cup,” Jorginho told Brasil Global Tour.
“They have always been great rivals for Brazil. Uruguay is a small country and so they don’t turn over players as quickly as others. They end up growing together and are also very well organised after retaining their coach [Oscar Tabarez], which was very big for them.
“It will certainly be a difficult game. Brazil, trying new things after the World Cup, are still finding their best team. It is always a special game, Brazil versus Uruguay.”
It’s been very special for Jorginho in particular, for it was against Uruguay that his greatest triumph really began.
Jorginho met Uruguay in a must-win World Cup qualifier in 1993, when a packed Maracana saw the Selecao secure their place at USA 94 thanks to two goals from a man who would go on to conquer the world.
It was very special, in 1993, with those two goals from Romario, because there was no way we could miss a World Cup.
“Romario had been out of the squad up to that match, when he was finally called on and immediately made the difference. It was a great match and a very special memory."
