Friendly preview: France v Brazil

France’s friendly against Brazil on Wednesday will be another test for Laurent Blanc’s side as they continue to rebuild after the World Cup.

The French side were a laughing stock in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, with a rift between former manager Raymond Domenech and his players – most notably striker Nicolas Anelka – seeing them exit the tournament without a win.

But there have been positive signs since Blanc took over in August, with an impressive 2-1 win over England at Wembley in November capping off a solid first six months in charge for the former Bordeaux manager.

Now – with the friendly against Brazil in Paris ahead of their next Euro 2012 qualifier in March – Blanc believes his side can fare well against the five-time world champions.

“As a player, you don’t have many opportunities to face Brazil in your career,” Blanc said.

“They are one of the two best teams in the world. It’s going to be difficult. Brazil have a multitude of good players.”

“To measure oneself against the best is the best way to make progress. It will be a good gauge.”

Olympique Lyon’s Yoann Gourcuff, Girondins Bordeaux’s Alou Diarra and Loic Remy of Olympique Marseille have all been included in Blanc’s squad despite some lacklustre recent performances in national colours.

But former captain Patrice Evra has been left out of the side, despite completing his five-match ban for his role in the revolt against Domenech in South Africa.

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has been unable to force his way back into Mano Menezes’ Brazil squad for the friendly, despite making a successful return from a knee injury.

Kaka missed nearly six months of football after sustaining the injury at the World Cup in South Africa, but was left out of Menezes’ side along with Inter Milan defenders Lucio and Maicon.

The coach has instead turned to youth, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Renato Augusto, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Jadson and Dynamo Kiev forward Andre all surprise inclusions in the squad.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes his return to the national side for the first time since the World Cup.

No Brazilian-based players have been selected in the squad, meaning Ronaldinho also misses out.

“Our (Brazil-based) players would suffer in the next games and would play rivals in a different form,” Menezes said. “It is important for us to have the same form, the same physical condition.”

“Brazilian teams are playing Copa Libertadores matches the same day. Anyway, we are not going to France with a weak team at all.”