Brazil to beat England but don’t expect a carnival of goals

You have to rewind all the way back to 1984 for England’s last win over the Samba Boys in Brazil, and it took one of the best goals ever scored in a Three Lions shirt to send the visitors on their way to victory at the famous Maracanã.

A 20-year-old John Barnes danced his way past five Brazilian defenders to fire his side into the lead before playing a vital part in Mark Hateley’s header to give England a 2-0 win and their only success in Brazil.

At Wembley in February, England had even more joy against the South Americans as goals from Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard gave the hosts a 2-1 win.

Since that famous result 29 years ago, Brazil’s clashes with England have always been tight affairs. In the last 11 games between the sides, there have been four 1-1 draws and on five occasions just one goal has separated the nations.

In fact, this trend has been a constant in the 24 games these two teams have met. In the entire history of Brazil v England, just seven of the contests have seen more than 2.5 goals scored.

And with Brazil coming out on the winning side 11 times, the Brazil to win and under 2.5 goals to be scored in the match at 3/1 looks interesting.

On nine occasions, the Three Lions and the Samba Boys couldn’t be separated. Subsequently, the draw and under 2.5 goals market could provide a bit more value at 7/2.

But after Tuesday night’s lacklustre 1-1 draw against Republic of Ireland, and with no ”Digger” Barnes out wide, Brazil have an excellent chance to exact revenge for their Wembley defeat – just don’t expect too many goals at the recently renovated Maracanã Stadium.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing