In a big-time match between two countries with proud soccer history and success, former FIFA World Cup winners Brazil and France will play each other in an international friendly on Thursday afternoon.

At first glance, this may seem like "just another friendly," but France and Brazil represent one of the biggest international soccer rivalries in the world. Brazil and France have met each other at the FIFA World Cup four times dating back to 1958, with France winning three of those games.

The biggest game being the 1998 World Cup Final when France defeated Ronaldo and Brazil at the Stade de France stadium.

This exhibition game will be played at the exact same arena, as Brazil returns to the scene of the crime:

Brazil (6)

It was a very disappointing ending for the Brazilian National Team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After eliminating Chile and Colombia, they were absolutely dominated by Germany in the semifinals, 7-1. Injuries and a very strong German squad all led to that lopsided result at home.

Brazil is presently ranked No. 6 in the world, and No. 3 in CONMEBOL behind Argentina and Colombia. All eyes will be on Barcelona star Neymar, who was recently named "best soccer player in the world under 25 years old." There is a very good chance former Brazilian captain Thiago Silva will start. Neymar has been named the new team captain. Both Jefferson de Oliveira Galvão and Diego Alves are expected to get playing time in net against France.

Alves has been playing terrific this La Liga season for Valencia.

Santos star Robinho will be starting alongside Neymar on offense while Oscar and Luiz Gustavo lead the middle fielders. Coach Dunga has stressed that his team play more physical recently. Brazil's next friendly will be against Chile on March 29.

France (8)

The French National Team comes in ranked No. 8 in the world, and No. 5 in the UEFA behind Germany, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands. France will benefit much from having home-field advantage against Brazil in this match, but they will be missing a few key players.

Starting goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will not be playing because of an injury, so Steve Mandanda will get the start in net. Maxime Gonalons and Paul Pogba will also not be playing because of injuries. Fortunately for France, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema will be on the field against Brazil. Benzema led all French players in scoring at the 2014 World Cup with three goals. Seeing him against Neymar will certainly be must watch soccer.

Similar to Brazil, France will have a short break as their next international friendly is on Sunday as well. They will take on Denmark on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. EST.

Schedule, Where to Watch

Brazil and France will play each other on Thursday, March 26 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. The game will begin at 4 p.m. on ESPN2. You can watch a live game stream here.

Predictions

Both teams are quality squads, given the fact they are each ranked in the top eight in the world. France will have home-field advantage, but Coach Dunga wants this one badly, having been a member of the '98 squad that lost to France in the finals. In the end, Neymar and key French injuries play the biggest roles in this result.

Brazil wins 3-2

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