Flamengo stars named starters for Brazil, Colombia friendlies

Midfielder Jorge Carrascal of Flamengo is expected to begin the Colombia versus Jordan friendly on the bench, according to Brazilian outlet Itatiaia. Coach Néstor Lorenzo plans to keep the Colombian midfield anchored by Carrascal’s recent performance against Costa Rica, while fielding a lineup that includes Camilo Vargas, Davinson Sánchez and James Rodríguez.

For Brazil, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Flamengo’s Lucas Paquetá and defender Léo Pereira will start in the final pre‑World Cup friendly against Egypt in Cleverland. Paquetá replaces Luiz Henrique in a three‑midfielder system, while Pereira takes the place of rested Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, who is recovering from the Champions League final. Ancelotti said the match is a last test to assess his strong squad before the tournament’s opening on June 13.