High levels of air pollution in Beijing have threatened tomorrow’s Superclásico de las Américas clash between Argentina and Brazil as pollution levels have risen to nearly 20 times the recommended level of exposure. The match is likely to go ahead but Brazil coach, Dunga has explained that several substitutions are expected to combat the conditions.

Beijing has issued an orange alert over the level of pollution and so both sets of players are spending as much time as possible within the hotels.

Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar said, “One of the pieces of advice that those responsible for pollution control give is that people should stay indoors and this is what we have done. Our athletes stay inside the hotel and only go out for training. Out of every 24 hours, they spend 22 inside the hotel.”

Speaking ahead of the match, Dunga has suggested that the pollution will have a significant impact on the match.

“The pollution in Beijing is bad for both Brazil and Argentina so both teams have to do their best and deal with it, as we cannot change it ourselves.” 

“Our plan is to make plenty of substitutions so that the players will not be affected by it.”

Gerardo Martino does not appear to have spoken on the subject but it can be assumed that if these are the steps that Brazil are taking, then Argentina will follow the same advice.