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

Neymar in action for Brazil (AP)

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

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

Cavani is due to feature against Brazil (REUTERS)

Odds…

Brazil to win: 13/25

Uruguay to win: 24/5

Draw: 33/10

Prediction...

Brazil 2-1 Uruguay

[16 November 2018 18:30 · Nathan Jacobs]

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. 

 

[16 November 2018 18:35 · Nathan Jacobs]

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

[16 November 2018 18:36 · Nathan Jacobs]

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

What a team that is.  

[16 November 2018 18:51 · Nathan Jacobs]

  ↵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:

[16 November 2018 18:52 · Nathan Jacobs]

And their opponents line up as follows: 

[16 November 2018 19:07 · Nathan Jacobs]

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. 

[16 November 2018 19:18 · Nathan Jacobs]

  ↵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: 

[16 November 2018 19:20 · Nathan Jacobs]

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

[16 November 2018 19:26 · Nathan Jacobs]

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. 

[16 November 2018 19:30 · Nathan Jacobs]

See? I didn't make it up!