Australia's worst nightmare - Brazil lose

[tfoz]

Has anyone pondered the idea that it would be a massive disaster if Brazil lose a game in the group to either Croatia or Japan? Maybe not so much croatia, being brazil's first game they'll go hard. But in Japan's case, if brazil have two wins under their belt and are already through, they may lift the foot off the pedal and japan could come away with a win, not so bad if they've lost the first two games, but let's say

Japan draw with australia (1 point each)
croatia lose to brazil (3 points brazil)

japan draw with croatia ( 2points japan 1 point croatia)
australia lose to brazil (1 point australia, 6 points brazil)

japan beat snoozing brazil ( 5 points japan, 6 points brazil
whoever wins doesn't matter, they'll both be on 4 points

[Ombak]

Sounds like Morocco's predicament in France 98.

[Redshift]

Brasil has never won a World Cup in which it has lost a game. It's not impossible for it to happen, but they will not intentionally lose or take the foot off the accelerator so much that they risk loosing. The Turks were worried about this last time too, but it proved groundless, as Brasil beat Costa Rica 5-2. More likely, Parreira may rest players with cards and the ones that get to play will want to show their stuff and try to win a spot in the team, particularly if someone hasn't been playing well. If Brasil go into the third match on 6 pts, they are more likely to put on a show than to lose.

Personally, if I were rooting for Australia, I'd be more worried about Brasil drawing or loosing to Croatia, because then they will play you needing a result.

[Andy TAUS]

Brasil has never won a World Cup in which it has lost a game. It's not impossible for it to happen, but they will not intentionally lose or take the foot off the accelerator so much that they risk loosing. The Turks were worried about this last time too, but it proved groundless, as Brasil beat Costa Rica 5-2. More likely, Parreira may rest players with cards and the ones that get to play will want to show their stuff and try to win a spot in the team, particularly if someone hasn't been playing well. If Brasil go into the third match on 6 pts, they are more likely to put on a show than to lose.

Personally, if I were rooting for Australia, I'd be more worried about Brasil drawing or loosing to Croatia, because then they will play you needing a result.Good post. :)

[rougou]

I would actually be more afraid for Japan if they have to play mostly Brazil subs instead of somewhat tired starters in the last game. Look at what Czech's bench did to Germany in what was a must win game for Germany at Euro 2004. And we all know Brazil has great depth.

[Redshift]

Another concern would be a Ronaldo wanting to silence critics while simultaneously trying to break Gerd Muller's all-time World Cup scoring record. The group stage provides the perfect venue for this.

[Hachiko]

Another concern would be a Ronaldo wanting to silence critics while simultaneously trying to break Gerd Muller's all-time World Cup scoring record. The group stage provides the perfect venue for this.

Killing two birds with one stone, most definitely.

[The Wanderer2]

Brasil, lose in this weak a$$ group? Dude, I'm sure you could start up a weed dealing business somewhere...

[JLSA]

OTOH, this is what people probably would have said about France last time around - "if they lose their first game - look out, they'll be angry".

If Brazil does lose their first game, it's pressure time. Real, nasty, pressure. The sort of pressure you get if the vultures (the press, the fans) sense an unexpected weakness. If Brazil cope, they'll turn it on against Australia and we're cooked. But, if they buckle under the pressure ... (and no-one can say with certainty what they will do until they're there).

J

[GreenIsle]

Personally, if I were rooting for Australia, I'd be more worried about Brasil drawing or loosing to Croatia, because then they will play you needing a result.
Personally,if that were to happen,Brazil had better hope to god that Japan beats Australia because if Croatia do beat Brazil first up (highly doubtful),and Australia defeat Japan,the pressure is on Brazil not Australia.In a situation like that,Australia would have nothing to lose and would play accordingly.

[raffa_the_gaffa]

i cant see anyone beat Brazil but Croatia..

[Jabinho]

There are no problems. Only opportunities.
Some famous person.

[GreenIsle]

Some famous person.
Stop using my quotes.Or else I'll have to zap you with copyright. :p

[Jabinho]

Stop using my quotes.Or else I'll have to zap you with copyright. :p
Sorry.. I won't do it again..:o

[Rubbernose]

I think a more likely scenario is that Brazil will want to avoid meeting Italy in the 2nd round. They're not stupid, Italy is traditionally one of the the main teams in the world that Brazil do not like playing, because they are one of the most effective at stifling their flair an counter attacking to exploit their defensive frailties. They are almost the exact opposite of Brazil in their philosophy and appraoch. They have openly declared as such. There si no way in the world Brazil would fancy coming up against Italy in the 2nd round.

The thing here though is Group E finishes about 5 hrs before Brazil are set to play Japan, so Brazil will know exactly what is required in order to avoid them. And if Italy have won Group E, Brazil will need to ensure they win Group A to avoid them, and they won't risk it by subtly playing for a draw with Japan, no way in the world, especially if another team is already on 3 pts.

The only way I can see them taking their foot off the pedal at all against Japan is if they have first place sewn up after their 2nd game, ie, accumulated all 6 pts whilst Japan, Croatia and Australia have all recorded nothing but losses and draws, all on 1 or 2 pts.

And believe me, Brazil will study every single angle here as the group progresses. For instance, if they are leading Australia 3-0 with 10 to go and know they will end on 6 pts and win the group (they will already know the result of Croatia and Japan by then), any carded key players will come out and look for another card to sit the Japan game out, almost guaranteed.

It is slight possible Japan could get an advantage here, but it needs a lot of planets to align - only if Brazil had beat Croatia and Australia and thus had 6 pts, and Japan had drawn to both Australia and Croatia, and thus had 2pts whilst Australia and Croatia only had 1 pt each via their draws with Japan. But even still, then, a win for either Australia or Croatia in their last group match would put them on 4 pts, which Japan could only surpass by beating Brazil. It is possible Brazil wouldn't care too much about not winning that match, but they wouldn't want to lose it. Ultimately, they may have players carded out and they may rest a few, and they may not need to win...which could make it easier for Japan.

Now, how convoluted is that? :D

[6_x_champ]

it is not forbide to dream, but you will have to face the nightmare of watch your team loose and be owned by the mighty squad of Brazil.

[noaihmtch]

Stop using my quotes.Or else I'll have to zap you with copyright. :p
whatever you say is not anyone's concern but i must congratulate you on having such a fine looking yellow card. i sincerely hope you receive another one so good luck :)

[Narna]

whatever you say is not anyone's concern but i must congratulate you on having such a fine looking yellow card. i sincerely hope you receive another one so good luck :)
If you read what he said you would understand the context.You must be the dumbest person on this board.

[catenaccio_L'pool]

The only way I can see them taking their foot off the pedal at all against Japan is if they have first place sewn up after their 2nd game, ie, accumulated all 6 pts whilst Japan, Croatia and Australia have all recorded nothing but losses and draws, all on 1 or 2 pts.

And believe me, Brazil will study every single angle here as the group progresses. For instance, if they are leading Australia 3-0 with 10 to go and know they will end on 6 pts and win the group (they will already know the result of Croatia and Japan by then), any carded key players will come out and look for another card to sit the Japan game out, almost guaranteed.

Now, how convoluted is that? :D
Does anyone know of examples when a team lost on purpose to avoid another...or when players received yellow cards on purpose to miss the last game of group stage so they're card-free for the next round???
I think Brazil would play to win in any case. Gotta keep those voluptuous carioca babes in the stands happy :D

[sidis]

Brazil never take their foot off the pedal.
Brazilians don't agree whit the theory of "choose oponnets".