Internationals 
/ Tobias Gourlay / 08 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Brazil's defence is strengthened by the return of Julio Cesar for the first time since last summer's World Cup.
"13 of the Selecao’s 15 friendlies with European nations have also stayed Under 2.5 Goals."
France and Brazil have produced some great games down the years, but this one is unlikely to join the canon, says Tobias Gourlay.
France have a good record against Brazil, winning their last four competitive meetings. The pair have drawn their most recent couple of friendlies together, but that shouldn't stop Laurent Blanc pursuing a fifth successive victory as France coach.
Wins are hard to come by against Brazil, however. Although they lost a friendly to Argentina in November, they have been beaten in only 4/45 such games anywhere since 2000.
"I like my team to have the ball, dictate the game and score goals. I like to see players pushing forward as a unit. It makes the game more enjoyable to play, and to watch as well, doesn't it?" Hearing that from Blanc, you might almost be tempted to watch this match.
But beware: 15 of Les Bleus' last 17 home friendlies have finished with Under 2.5 Goals. Blanc is not to blame for this, but some of his players might be.
Outside South America this century, 13 of the Selecao's 15 friendlies with European nations have also stayed Under 2.5 Goals. Again, the new coach, Mano Menezes is not directly accountable, but, even though some big-name defenders are missing from both sides - Patrice Evra, Lucio and Maicon among them - it will be a brave punter that bucks both of these trends.
Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 Goals at [1.76]
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