Fernandez wary of Brazil attack

Argentina defender Federico Fernandez has revealed that he wants to make his partnership with Ezequiel Garay the first-choice pairing for the Albiceleste back line, while recognising that Saturday's clash with Brazil would be the toughest test yet for the young duo.

The Napoli man, 23, and Benfica centre-back Garay started together for the first time in the Seleccion's 3-1 win over Switzerland in February, and repeated their partnership at the weekend when Alejandro Sabella's men cruised to a 4-0 demolition of Ecuador.

The coming fixture, however, brings a new challenge as Argentina meet their eternal South American rivals Brazil in New Jersey. With the likes of Neymar, Lucas, Hulk and Leandro Damiao likely to play some part in the clash, Fernandez admitted that there would be no room for error across the 90 minutes.

"I guess that Brazil are going to attack more than Ecuador," Ole heard from the former Estudiantes star, who remained tight-lipped over what Saturday's team would look like.

"We will have a few options that depend on how [Brazil] line up, we have to adapt. It also depends on how the result goes."

Speaking about the prospect of establishing himself as an international starter, Fernandez explained that both he and his new partner have to prove themselves worthy at that level.

"We have to keep working hard in order to keep showing what we can do. I knew alongside Garay [against Ecuador] that we were going to have one striker between the two of us and what happened down the flanks was going to happen. We are doing well, we are strong and tall. Let's hope we have no problems in the air."

Despite his emergence as an Albiceleste player Fernandez has found it tough to break into the Napoli team, making just 11 Serie A appearances during his first season in Serie A.