Brazil set for WCup warmup matches in Zimbabwe, Tanzania

Brazil set for exhibitions in Zimbabwe, Tanzania

JOHANNESBURG — As soon as Brazil’s soccer team arrived in South Africa for the World Cup, the five-time champions said they will be leaving for warmup matches against Zimbabwe and Tanzania next week.

Brazil said Thursday it will play Zimbabwe in Harare on June 2 and against Tanzania on June 7.

In Zimbabwe, tourism minister Walter Mzembi also said Brazil would visit but would not say exactly how much Zimbabwe had paid Brazil — only that part of it was funded by the government and part by sponsors.

Mzembi said earlier this month that Brazil had asked for a $1.8 million appearance fee to play in Zimbabwe.