Brazil vs. New Zealand: Start Time, Viewing Info & Preview for Olympic Match
By
(Featured Columnist) on July 31, 2012
With five World Cup championships and four Olympic medals, Brazil boasts one of the best soccer programs worldwide.
However, one of the sport's most recognizable teams has never captured a gold medal at the Olympics , settling for silver in 2008 and 1996.
Brazil may not be an overwhelming favorite to end its gold-less streak in London, but they certainly have done their best to prove they're a force to be reckoned with thus far.
While the Brazilians have managed to secure a spot in the quarterfinals with two decisive victories, New Zealand hasn't even made a dent in the win column.
The Kiwis managed to tie Egypt, but fell 1-0 to the same Belarus squad that fell 3-1 to Brazil.
Wednesday's matchup should hold no surprises, so let's take a deeper look at both teams.
Where: St. James' Park, Newcastle, England
When: Wednesday, August 1, 9:30 a.m. EST
Live Stream: NBC Olympics
Brazil Team Breakdown
If there's one player who epitomizes Brazil's world-class ability, it's Neymar .
Just 20 years old, the 5'9" forward already boasts an impressive resume and has been as good as advertised through two matches.
The 2011 South American Footballer of the Year has displayed tremendous vision, touch and scoring ability in London.
As noted by Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report , Neymar was at his best against Belarus.
"Neymar was clearly the man of the match on Sunday, showing the world why numerous clubs are after his signature."
Besides the fleet-footed forward, Neymar's running mate—Oscar—showed why Chelsea paid £25 million to secure the 20-year-old's services (via Telegraph Sport ).
In Brazil's 3-2 win over Egypt, the attacking midfielder assisted on two goals, and he scored on a great pass from Neymar against Belarus.
As crisp as their offensive attack has been, Brazil's defense hasn't held up as well as expected.
In his recap of the Brazil-Belarus match, Tansey notes that Brazil's back four still has work to do.
"There are also a few questions to be asked about keeper Neto, who looked shaky on a few occasions in front of net."
Even without a lockdown defense, Brazil's dynamic duo of Neymar and Oscar should propel Mano Menezes' squad past the Kiwis.
Who Will Win Wednesday's match?
New Zealand Team Breakdown
Still searching for its first ever Olympic soccer win, New Zealand enters the matchup as clear underdogs.
Unfortunately for the Oly-Whites, Wednesday will be the same old song and dance.
With a limited offensive attack, Neil Emblen's squad simply can't hang with Brazil's powerful scoring capabilities.
Stopping Neymar, Oscar and Co. might be even more difficult as goalkeeper Jake Gleeson has been dealling with a groin injury (via Tony Smith of Stuff ).
The Oly-Whites' starting keeper didn't start against Belarus and was again rested in the Egypt game in favor of Michael O'Keeffe.
The time off should help Gleeson's injury, but it remains to be seen whether he'll have to shake off any rust against a dangerous Brazilian team.
Prediction: Brazil has asserted itself as the leader of Group C and should have no problem putting away New Zealand in the final group match. Brazil wins 3-0.
http://bleacherreport.com/