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The Independent UK

World

Kishan Vaghela

Neymar's penalty settles first ever match between Brazil and Uruguay outside South America

Neymar netted a controversial penalty to secure Brazil a hard-fought win against Uruguay in a friendly that was anything but on a dank night in London.

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium played host to the 76th meeting of these South American adversaries as they continued their build-up to next summer's Copa America.

Brazil are favourites to lift the trophy on home turf and Tite's men continued their impressive preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory through Neymar's late penalty.

This was a friendly in name only as referee Craig Pawson handed out eight bookings on a night when Uruguay's players were furious with the decision to give the Selecao a spot-kick after Diego Laxalt was adjudged to have fouled Manchester City's Danilo.

It looked harsh and added to a feisty occasion in which Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to be alert between the sticks for Brazil. PA

2018-11-16T18:30:37.956Z

Good evening folks and welcome to the Independent's coverage of Brazil v Uruguay, Wales V Denmark and Netherlands v France, where we'll be bringing you updates of all the live action from all three matches.

The South American clubs are preparing to do battle at the Emirates tonight. There's lots of history between these two sides and it's bound to be another cracker which we'll keep you posted on.

Meanwhile, the other two fixtures take place in respective Nations League groups with France sitting 1st in Group A, Netherlands just behind.

As for Wales, they take on Denmark, sitting pretty at the top of Group B4 with two wins from three games, including that pummelling of the Republic of Ireland.

2018-11-16T18:35:43.583Z

Here's how the Dutch 'Oranje' line up for tonight:

2018-11-16T18:36:28.170Z

Meanwhile, their opponents this evening, the World Champions no less, line up as follows:

What a team that is.

2018-11-16T18:51:23.013Z

↵

The other 19:45 kick off sees one of the Home Nations play with Wales hosting Denmark.

Here's how the Red Dragons line up:

2018-11-16T18:52:14.096Z

And their opponents line up as follows:

2018-11-16T19:07:10.943Z

Which game are you most excited for this evening?

Wales have a really youthful side, plus, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey returns to the squad for this international.

But World Champions France have so much talent in abundance that you never want to miss a minute of their games.

2018-11-16T19:18:29.780Z

↵

That's forgetting the game which kicks off slightly later this evening, with the 8PM start at the Emirates Stadium.

Here's how one half of the game, Uruguay, line up:

2018-11-16T19:20:28.010Z

La Celeste have really been taking their warm up seriously....even training in the London Hotel!

2018-11-16T19:26:14.570Z

Only three players have more international goals since June 2016 than Christian Eriksen and that's despite not starting as the main striker.

Is he the man to stop tonight for Wales?

I could watch him play football alone all day. Joy to watch.

2018-11-16T19:30:11.613Z

See? I didn't make it up!

2018-11-16T19:33:38.520Z

And our very own Tom Williams is in place to get a different vantage point in Cardiff this evening...

2018-11-16T19:37:29.240Z

A win for either Wales or Denmark will mean that they are promoted to the upper tier of Nations League sides...

What's your prediction for this evening?

2018-11-16T19:39:48.560Z

Apologies for the delay but Brazil's twitter account didn't feel the need to publish their starting XI until now.

What do you make of it now though?

So much talent all the way through to the bench, too.

2018-11-16T19:41:21.140Z

Meanwhile, the four sides kicking off at 19:45 are out and preparing for their national anthems.

Looking forward to tonight's action.

2018-11-16T19:44:05.746Z

It appears he's been sporting it for a while now but it doesn't mean I'm any more ready to see Ryan Babel's interesting choice of hair colour...

Hmmmm

KICK OFF

2018-11-16T19:45:36.310Z

KICK OFF:

Wales 0-0 Denmark

Netherlands 0-0 France

MATCH ACTION

2018-11-16T19:48:50.923Z

CHANCE! NETHERLANDS 0-0 FRANCE!

What a start from Holland and what a chance they've just created - should be 1-0 up.

Depay ran at the France defence and got himself into the box and almost at the byline.

His pull back found Wijnaldum but his shot was tame and straight at Hugo Lloris who palmed it away.

The Dutchman has already scored against him once this season, when Liverpool defeated Spurs 2-1 at Wembley.

2018-11-16T19:50:05.470Z

CHANCE! Wales 0-0 Denmark

Early warning for Wales as Christian Eriksen carries the ball some way before unleashing a long range shot from 25 yards at.

His shot is always rising but only just clears the bar. Take note, Wales.

MATCH ACTION

2018-11-16T19:53:15.926Z

6 mins: Wales 0-0 Denmark

Wonderful football down Denmark's left leads to a promising attack but left-back Stryger's cross is a bit deep but only clears the post by a few inches.

Denmark work it back into the box though but Wales deal with the ensuing danger and clear for a corner.

Positive start from the Danes.

MATCH ACTION

2018-11-16T19:55:15.593Z

8 mins: Netherlands 0-0 France

The World Champions are unable to keep hold of the ball for any significant period of time.

It's been a really good start by Holland.

12 3 4 5

MATCH PREVIEW

What time does it start?

Brazil vs Uruguay kicks off at 8pm.

Neymar will grace the Emirates this evening (REUTERS)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on ITV 4 from 7:40pm. Viewers can also watch the match online via the ITV Hub.

Player to watch…

Neymar: The Brazil captain stated that he is willing to act as a mentor to Everton forward Richarlison but the Paris Saint-Germain forward also needs to address his own form, having not scored from open play for his country since their last-16 tie with Mexico in the World Cup in Russia. While his teammates this evening will have less international experience than usual, Neymar’s role will be of great importance if Brazil are to emerge victorious.

Form guide…

Brazil: WLWWWW

Uruguay: WWLWLL