Brazil were stunned by Group D rivals Ivory Coast on matchday 2 of the men’s Olympic football tournament.
The Selecao U23 team were held to a nil-nil draw and now sit level on points with the Ivory Coast in Group D.
Andre Jardine’s team do have a better goal difference than Ivory Coast and as it stands, are going through to the next round as Group D winners.
Saudi Arabia are at the other end of the group and have been eliminated already. Coach Saad Al-Shehri's team has taken zero points from six on offer. Just two teams qualify for the quarterfinals in each group meaning Saudi Arabia are too far adrift to progress.
Still, Al-Shehri's team will aim for a major scalp against Brazil and the chance to throw a spanner into the works. The Saudis have scored just three goals across 180 minutes of football. Sami Al-Najei scored twice against Germany on matchday 2 in a 3-2 loss.
Brazil have been led by Everton’s Richarlison. The forward has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer and thus far, Richarlison has played like a player seeking a big transfer. Richarlison bagged three goals against Germany.
Richarlison is currently second in the top goalscorer charts at the Summer Games. He is one goal behind France's Andre-Pierre Gignac for the Olympic Golden Boot.
Saudi Arabia player Aboubacar Doumbia was sent off with a straight red card against Ivory Coast. He was sent off a mere five minutes after being substituted. He will miss the game on Wednesday due to the suspension.
Al-Shehri could name the same starting 11 for Saudi Arabia that played versus Germany. Despite losing 3-2, their performance on the pitch should have pleased the coach. Attacking midfielder Al-Najei bagged a brace and should find a place in the starting XI once more.
Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz was dismissed against Ivory Coast and Jardine is likely to select Gabriel Menino to replace him. Lyon's Bruno Guimaraes should play next to Menino. Brazil have not qualified for the quarterfinals yet. Therefore, Jardine will select a strong side.
Although Saudi Arabia played well against Germany on matchday 2, they should struggle to get goals against Brazil. The Brazilian defence improved against Ivory Coast after conceding twice to Germany on matchday 1.
Brazil should claim a win to nil and tally over 2.5 goals. Saudi Arabia may have played well against Germany but won’t experience as much joy on Wednesday.