More than 55 000 people bought tickets to watch the game at the National Sports Stadium which has a seating capacity of 60 000. Fans queued patiently to buy tickets which were the most expensive in the history of Zimbabwe's domestic football. They ranged from US$10 to US$60.
Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) chief executive, Henrietta Rushwaya said: "At first, the response was slow but it picked up with the arrival of the Brazilians. By late Tuesday night 75% of the tickets had been sold out."
Civil servants and many in the private sector had been give a half day off work. Even the weather which was wet and gloomy before made way to sunshine.
Dunga Selected a Near Full-Strength Team
The Warriors fought bravely in a high-profile international friendly match against World Cup-bound Brazil's Samba Boys on Wednesday 2 June 2010. They lost 3-0. During the first 30 minutes the Brazilians were kept from the goal as Zimbabwe displayed an attacking mindset. There was little hope that the hosts would win the match but during that half hour fans dared to believe the unbelievable, that the team would defy the odds and beat Brazil in a football match. However, the Warriors soon wilted in the face of some outstanding football by the 2010 World Cup favourites. Manager Dunga had selected a near full-strength side.
Goals from Bastos, Fabiano and Elano
The first goal came after a free kick was awarded to the Samba boys when striker Fabiano tumbled under what appeared to be a fair challenge. Bastos converted it into a goal. Robinho added a second goal two minutes later. Even so, coach Mapeza still urged his charges to try and get a goal. This proved elusive in the face of a Brazilian outfit that seemed to have worked out how to penetrate Zimbabwe's defence in the second half as well as how to repel the home side's attacks. A third goal from Elano dampened the spirits of a keen Zimbabwe side.
Regardless of the results for Zimbabwe, the bar has been raised in soccer for the country. This can only have a positive effect on the game.
Teams
Zimbabwe - Edmore Sibanda, Gilbert Mapemba, Zhaimu Jambo, Method Mwanjali, Zvenyika Makonese (Thomas Sweswe 85th minute), Ashley Rambanapasi (Stephen Alumenda 66th minute), Tinashe Nengomasha, Quicy Antipas (Nyasha Mushekwi 68th minute), Benjani Mwaruwari (Kingston 52nd minute), Knowledge Musona, Ovidy Karuru (Vusa Nyoni 52nd minute).
Brazil - Julio Cesar (Gomes 46th minute), Maicon (Daniel Alves, 46th minute), Lucio (Luiao), Thiago Silva, Felipe Melo, Michel Bastos, Elano, Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Julio Baptista 46th minute), Fabiano (Grafite 59th minute), Robinho (nimar 64th minute).
Melody Mundawarara - Melody Mundawarara has always enjoyed creative pursuits. Her interests range from Art to Zoology. She is a keen researcher who is excited ...
