Brazil bids to stay perfect under Menezes
Brazil will look to maintain its perfect record under new coach Mano Menezes when it plays Ukraine in Derby on Monday.
The five-time world champions are in a transitional phase under Menezes, who has looked to give youth a chance since taking over as coach from Dunga after the World Cup.
The former Corinthians coach has guided Brazil to wins over the United States and then Iran, which was beaten 3-0 in Abu Dhabi on Thursday thanks to goals by Daniel Alves, Alexandre Pato and Nilmar.
"We have to give opportunities to new players, young players," Menezes said. "I have picked these young players and trust a lot in them and they are answering my expectations. We have to build a team for the future."
Brazil flopped in the World Cup by its high standards, losing 1-0 to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. It cost the much-criticized Dunga his job and he was replaced by Menezes, whose tactics and outlook appear to be more attacking and creative than his predecessor.
The captain's armband was given to Robinho for the Iran match and the forward, who makes his first return to England since leaving Manchester City for AC Milan at the end of the transfer window in August, is set to keep it against the Ukrainians.
Ukraine will co-host the 2012 European Championship with Poland. Coach Yury Kalitvintsev took temporary charge of the team following the resignation of Myron Markevich in August and is yet to lose in three matches, its most recent result being a 2-2 draw against Canada on Friday.
Derby, which has the largest Ukrainian community in England, will be hosting its second international match. The city, located in central England, hosted its first in May 2001 when England beat Mexico 4-0.