Brazil contemplates personnel changes

Coach Wanderley Luxemburgo said on Friday he would change Brazil's line-up to face Cameroon in the Olympic soccer quarter-final on Saturday after studying videos of their first round matches against the United States, Kuwait and the Czech Republic.

Luxemburgo has brought in Rennes striker Lucas to replace Geovanni -- in attack at least for the first half -- while Athirson takes Fabio Aurelio's place in defence.

Fabio Aurelio moves into the left side of mid field into the spot vacated by Edu, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament when Brazil beat Japan 1-0 in Brisbane on Wednesday to top finish top of Group B.

"Lucas will play the first half against Cameroon who are a very physical side," Luxemburgo said.

"My plan is to bring on Geovanni at half-time to keep the pressure on them. We are not underestimating them for one second.

"They are very experienced, their top players are all in Europe and half the squad won the African championships this year. Some people may say we are favourites for the gold medal but Cameroon have not lost a match here and we face a very tough battle."

Luxemburgo looked relaxed at Brazil's luxurious golf resort hotel on Queensland's Gold Coast on Friday, despite being under enormous pressure to ensure Brazil wins gold for the first time in their history.

They came through the first round with wins over Slovakia (3-1) and Japan (1-0) and also lost 1-3 to South Africa.

Although they have not yet played the dazzling football of which they are capable, Luxemburgo added: "I think you will see a different Brazil from now on. I still am very optimistic we can win the gold medal."

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