Five-time world champions Brazil are already through and expected to make significant changes to the squad when they face Cameroon in their final group stage match at Lusail Stadium in Doha Friday.
With two wins against Serbia and Switzerland, the Selecao are placed at the top of the group with six points, while Cameroon sit at the bottom with just one point.
Coach Tite already hinted to keep some regular starters fresh for the Round of 16 matches, which will be dated this Monday if they top the group.
But they need to be careful with the decision as reigning champions France also took a similar approach against Tunisia last Wednesday when they had changed nine players from previous the game.
The approach had an instant impact as a compact Tunisian side won 1-0 but luckily, Les Bleus didn't have to face the consequence of losing top spot in the group.
Goal difference will come into play to decide the group topper if Brazil lose and Switzerland win.
“I honestly do not know because we are focusing on single games – we will learn when we go through them. I can only decide on which players to use if I see them in action on the field of play. It's an opportunity to see them in action, yes, it's a risk but also their chance to shine,” Tite replied when asked about his rotation plan against the Indomitable Lions in the pre-match press conference.
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Brazil already have been forced to change their XI in the second game against Switzerland where left back Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury after No 10 sensation Neymar picked up an ankle injury, along with Danilo, during the 2-0 win over the Serbians in the opening match.
By resting some of the players from the XI, Brazil can expect fresh starters, including the return of the injured trio.
“The three injured are all evolving, Neymar and Danilo were already in the pool, and we are focusing on Cameroon now but will talk again with the physicians to see if they can return to the field,” the coach added.
Apart from other changes, the 39-year old Dani Alves is on the verge of becoming the oldest ever Brazil captain in a World Cup game.
“For me it represents the chance to wear the Brazilian jersey. It doesn't matter what the tournaments are, friendly or otherwise. It's our country in such a big tournament as the World Cup. It makes me very proud. I have been doing so for many, many years. So to be able to wrap up this cycle in the Brazilian shirt in a World Cup makes me very happy,” said the veteran.
In the same group stage fixture in 2014 World Cup – when the two sides last met - Brazil were victorious 4-1 thanks to a brace from Neymar and goals from Fred and Fernandinho.
With one point like Cameroon, Serbia also need to win against the Swiss, and rely on goal difference to procced to the next stage.