The centenary edition of the Superclasico de las Americas between Argentina and Brazil is under threat due to heavy pollution in Beijing.
High levels of smog have engulfed the Chinese capital in recent days, causing the authorities to issue an orange pollution alert - the second highest level - and leading to players being largely confined to their hotels.
Brazil coach Dunga urged his team to focus on the football as much as possible, however, acknowledging there was little they could do about the less-than-ideal conditions they will likely face at the Bird's Nest stadium.
He said: "It is there. It is like when we played at the altitude. We have to face the match. There is nothing we can do about it. Nobody has the power to change it."
Santos forward Robinho added: "It is difficult to breathe. The throat remains dry. It seems like we are close to a bonfire, with a lot of heavy smoke. We can not escape from that. The ones who can cope with it best will have the advantage on the pitch."
Dunga has begun a restructuring process after the humiliating World Cup performance on home soil, when Luiz Felipe Scolari's side crashed out 7-1 to eventual winners Germany in the semi-final.
Only seven players who featured in this summer's tournament have been called up for the Superclasico. Dunga appears particularly keen to make major changes in defence and up front, with only David Luiz and Neymar, respectively, retaining their places after the World Cup.
Sao Paulo playmaker Kaka was included in place of the injured Ricardo Goulart, and admitted the call had come out of the blue.
"I did not expect this," the 32-year-old said. "Having a chance in the national squad is something that always motivates."
For World Cup runners-up Argentina, the match will be a second friendly under the guidance of Gerardo Martino following last month's 4-2 friendly triumph over world champions Germany in Dusseldorf.
Former Barcelona coach Martino has called on 10 members of the Albicelestes' World Cup group and handed chances to players overlooked by former coach Alejandro Sabella for the Brazil showpiece - such as Paris St Germain midfielder Javier Pastore, Juventus winger Roberto Pereyra and Villarreal centre-back Mateo Musacchio.
"Probably it is the most important Clasico in the world - no matter where it is played," Martino said. "It has a great transcendence due the history of both squads and today, especially, because of the very talented players that make up each team."
Pastore was thrilled to be back in the international fold after a three-year absence, and vowed to show his recall was deserved.
"I am very satisfied to be here because I have the chance of returning to wear this shirt," the 25-year-old said.
"I hope I can prove that I should be in this group and show to the coaching team and my team-mates that I want this more than anything."
Pereyra added: "I am fulfilling the dream of my life. I am so happy to be here, alongside football stars and facing our derby. I cannot ask for more."
Argentina and Brazil met for the first time in 1914, in a match which finished 3-0 in favour of the former. This will be the 96th match between the arch rivals, with 36 wins for the Albiceleste and 35 for the Selecao.
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