An all-star Brazil side is set to wow fans in the UAE when they meet South Korea in a high-profile friendly in Abu Dhabi next month, according to a top official at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
Aref Al Awani, general secretary of ADSC, said the friendly in Abu Dhabi was the result of a deal signed between the sports council and the Brazil Football Confederation to include UAE in the Brazil Global Tour.
"Brazil are a crowd favourite whenever and wherever they play, and to have them in Abu Dhabi is unique," Al Awani told The National.
“Abu Dhabi has already emerged as one of the leading destinations in hosting high profile global sporting events and this year the Brazil-South Korea game takes the spotlight in our winter calendar.
“The Brazil-South Korea game will bring together some of the leading global stars and fan favourites to the UAE in an exciting football carnival for everyone to enjoy.”
The Brazil-South Korea match will take place at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium on November 19 after the five-time world champions’ clash against arch-rivals Argentina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 15.
Brazil are returning to the capital city nine years after their last friendly against Iran at the Zayed Sports City stadium.
According to the Brazil Football Confederation, the team will be full-strength, including the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. Star player Neymar has been ruled out for four weeks after picking up a hamstring injury during a friendly against Nigeria.
“Aside from the date and venue of the game, the other arrangements are yet to be ironed out,” Al Awani said.
“We are aware there’ll be a massive rush for tickets which will be on sale shortly. We are working out all details before we inform the public of the arrangements. This game is for everyone to enjoy and we’ll try to accommodate as many as we can.”
More details about the Brazil Global Tour can be found on their Twitter handle: @BGT_ENG.
