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Santos starlets face sternest test yet

Santos, inspired to the South American club title by Pele in 1962 and 1963, are favourites after last week's 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Centenario in Montevideo where Neymar was below his best and Ganso absent after a thigh injury.

Ganso, having recovered, is deemed fully fit to turn out in the second leg at the Pacaembu in Sao Paulo, reuniting the gifted duo whose exciting link play has made them the biggest sensation in Brazilian football.

"Ganso has worked hard at his conditioning and is very close to the ideal (fitness). I think he can play the whole match," Santos doctor Rodrigo Zogaib told reporters.

"As he is a very technical player, he won't have much difficulty with the rhythm (of the game). He knows how to pace himself."

Ganso and the 19-year-old Neymar are at the heart of Brazil coach Mano Menezes's attacking game for next month's Copa America in Argentina.

"They're a great team, they have national team players, we could face a similar Santos (to the Centenario), perhaps more daring," Aguirre told Reuters in Montevideo.

"The chances are they will beat you but the fact is that the series is open," said Aguirre, whose side upset holders Internacional 2-1 in Brazil on their way to a record 10th final.

Santos lost to Argentina's Boca Juniors in their third final in 2003.