Brazil and Croatia go head-to-head in a high-profile international friendly in Orlando as both nations step up their preparations for summer’s FIFA World Cup.This will be the first time the two teams have met since Croatia eliminated the Seleção from the World Cup via penalty shootout in 2022.Brazil vs Croatia – Match preview and team newsDate: Wednesday, 1st AprilKick-off: 1am BSTVenue: Camping World Stadium, OrlandoLast meeting: Croatia 1-1 Brazil (4-2 pens), FIFA Men’s World Cup, 9th December 2022Brazil team newsManager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that key stars Vinícius Júnior and Marquinhos have recovered from recent knocks and are available for selection at Camping World Stadium.However, the Selecao remains depleted by several significant absences. Alisson Becker is sidelined with a hamstring issue, replaced in the squad by Hugo Souza.Raphinha has been ruled out for approximately five weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury against France, forcing his return to Barcelona. Also injured in the match against France is Wesley Franca.The ongoing exclusion of Neymar Jr. continues to dominate headlines; Ancelotti reiterated that while Neymar is returning to action with Santos, he only selects players who are “100 per cent fit” for these intensive pre-World Cup tests.First-time call-ups such as Igor Thiago and Rayan may feature as Ancelotti finalises a “quite defined” roster for the 2026 World Cup. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Croatia team newsManager Zlatko Dalić oversees a squad that has already officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The team continues to be anchored by 40-year-old captain Luka Modric, who is set to participate in his fifth World Cup later this year.While the veteran core remains intact, the defensive line is currently missing Josko Gvardiol, who suffered a tibial fracture earlier this year. Mateo Kovacic has also faced recent fitness hurdles but remains a central figure in Dalic’s plans for the upcoming finals as he is nearing his return to the pitch.Dominik Kotarski is injured and will not be involved. There are no fresh injury concerns reported from their camp in Orlando.Few rotations are expected with Andrej Kramaric set to come back into the starting XI alongwith Josep Stanisic and Luka Sucic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});FormBrazil: WLWDLBrazil enter this friendly during a period of experimentation and inconsistency, having lost three of their last six matches under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Their most recent outing was a disappointing 2-1 defeat to 10-man France at Gillette Stadium. Despite a goal from Gleison Bremer and sustained late pressure, the Selecao struggled with clinical finishing. Ancelotti’s side has shown impressive attacking depth but lacks defensive cohesion while several key veterans remain sidelined by injury or selection choices.Croatia: DWWWWCroatia maintains an impressive run of form, currently enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak. Their last result was a gritty 2-1 victory over Colombia on March 26 at Camping World Stadium. Goals from Luka Vušković and Igor Matanović showcased the clinical efficiency that has become a hallmark of Zlatko Dalić’s squad. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Predicted lineupsBrazil: Ederson; Ibanez, Bremer, Marquinhos, D. Santos; Henrique, A. Santos, Casemiro, Martinelli; Cunha, PedroCroatia: Livakovic; Erlic, Vuskovic, Pongracic; Stanisic, Modric, P. Sucic, Perisic; Mario Pasalic, Kramaric, BaturinaHow to watch Brazil vs Croatia?The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV4 and can be streamed on ITVX.Read – Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fuels Real Madrid transfer talkSee Also – The five favourites to sign Sandro Tonali from NewcastleFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Brazil vs Croatia – Match preview and team news first appeared on The Football Faithful.