As far as international soccer in 2013 is concerned, it doesn’t get much bigger or better than this.
The men’s national teams of Brazil and Portugal will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass, on Sept. 10. The exhibition game, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET, will undoubtedly be one of the most high-profile soccer events to come the region in some time.
The game will take place on an official FIFA date, meaning both teams will have top players at their disposal. The talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, João Moutinho, Thiago Silva and Pepe should be on display as both teams look to round into form ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Tickets for the game start at $50. They will go on sale on July 19 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster outlets and the Gillette Stadium box office by calling 1-877-GET-REVS.
“We’re very excited to be able to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fans in our region who care so deeply about these two legendary national teams,” New England Revolution president Brian Bilello said. “Being able to host this match during an official FIFA window, and therefore attracting the top squads from both countries — and some of the world’s top players — means this will be a truly memorable event for everyone in attendance.”
Neymar, Brazil’s FC Barcelona-bound star, is looking forward to playing in front of the region’s many Brazilian and Portuguese fans.
“It is always a thrill to come to the United States and I am very happy to play against Portugal in Boston at Gillette Stadium on September 10,” he said. “The Boston area has a very large Brazilian population and I invite all of our fans in the United States to come out and enjoy the match.”
Brazil is riding a wave of confidence after winning the Confederations Cup on Sunday. Portugal reached the semifinal of the 2012 UEFA European Championship (losing to Spain on penalty kicks) and currently leads its World Cup qualifying group. Both national teams will be among the favorites to win it all when the World Cup kicks off in Brazil next summer.
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