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| The big guns are coming in November, but would they return for a World Cup [AFP] |
The friendly international between England and Brazil is likely to mean a lot more to Qatar than it is to the teams which will take the field Saturday in the country's capital city.
With its vast oil and gas riches, Qatar has set its sights on rivaling the United Arab Emirates as a venue for major sporting events, including the 2022 World Cup.
The tiny Gulf nation has hosted 2006 Asian Games and is also considering another bid for the Olympics in 2020.
The match between the five-time world champions and the 1966 World Cup winners is seen as a preview of what it can offer with its deep pockets and limitless support from its ruler.
"Qatar is enormously proud to be hosting two great national teams,'' said Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairman of the country's 2022 World Cup bid committee.
"Qatar's bid to host the World Cup in 2022 offers a historic opportunity to bring people from all around the world together in friendship and unity.''
World Cup preparations
England and Brazil, meanwhile, are preparing for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
England won its qualifying group with nine wins from 10 matches, while Brazil finished first in South America's 10-team group.
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and David James are out injured for England, and David Beckham is playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS playoffs.
"We need to try and play some good football if we are going to win. I am sure it will be a great game to watch,'' said England striker Wayne Rooney said.
"There are so many world-class players in Brazil; Kaka, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Fabiano. It will be a great test for us.''
Rooney said the friendly will give the reserve players a chance to impress coach Fabio Capello.
"It is a great opportunity for the players who are going to come in,'' Rooney said.
"There are still few places up for grabs. I am sure the players who come in will want to remind the manager what they can do.''
A 'necessary' fixture
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the friendly, calling it "the intrusion of a friendly game in some unknown country.''
However, Capello justified the need for this game.
"I don't understand what this is all about,'' Capello said. "Most other countries are playing two games but we are only playing one match and returning the players on Sunday, four days earlier than the other countries.
"We did this out of respect to the players and their clubs at such a busy time in the fixture calendar.''
Brazil have won 10 of 22 games played against England, losing only three.
The other 10 were draws. The last match between the two, a friendly and the first full international at the new Wembley in 2007, finished 1-1.
Brazil defender Luisao withdrew from the squad late Tuesday after undergoing surgery for appendicitis. Brazil coach Dunga has replaced him with AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
Also missing from Brazil's squad is AC Milan midfielder Ronaldinho, who was not picked by Dunga. Brazil will again rely heavily on Real Madrid midfielder Kaka and Manchester City striker Robinho.
Brazil play Oman in another friendly on Tuesday in Muscat.
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