Brazil did not attach much importance to the meaningless "friendly" tournament. They had lazy performances against France and England. The only reason the game against Italy became so fantastic is because Brazil went down by 2 goals in the first half. Then they came out of their shell and showed what they were capable of. Neither Ronaldo nor Romario really exerted themselves in the tournament (although they scored 3 goals). However, in the same year, both were brilliant at the Copa America and the Confed Cup (the competitions that mattered). Denilson was a brilliant footballer. He did not need to score as he was a winger. He got negative publicity in Europe because Betis bought him for a world record fee, which did not translate into goals. But he was not a goalscorer in the first place. He had other extraordinary and useful set of skills.
Yes being down by 2 vs Italy lit a fire under the players. But pretty rare for Brazil to not give importance to anything.
Looking back we played a lot of futbol in 97. Confederation Cup, Copa America, Tournoi de France, not to mention the friendlies.
I think the game against Holland in 1994 was even better and certainly more thrilling than the Ronaldo show in 1998. Romario's artistry, Bebeto's celebration, then their tying goals through Bergkamp and Winter followed by Branco's extraordinary free kick for the win. When Branco's kick went in, I remember jumping so much that my pants got torn. That Holland team had really good players.
I was going to say the same. FIFA classed Brazil vs Holland 94 match as a WC historic classic. The suspense build-up in the 2nd half was nerving. I will never forget that match. It was an all out war between the two rivals in the QF
Through the years somehow Netherlands play really well, great players - 1974, etc etc etc up until 2014 .... and they always choke at end!!!!! Why do they lose the important matches?
Dutch mentality got do it. Subjected to self-defeat before the fight has even started, and complacent that we are too a small nation to defeat a bigger foe. We may have raw talents in abundant but we lack guts and the will to pull it off as soon as we reach the critical moments. This, not only in football, since it can be also seen in other fronts of our society, from military to politics, from arts to science. We like to think of ourselves too much as the underdogs every time we face Germany, Brazil, Italy and other larger footballing nations. To cut it short, our problem is more likely to be found off pitch then on it.
I think you're being a bit too hard.... As you know, the Dutch did win the 1988 Euros...in the WC they have been to the finals 3 times, to the semi-finals twice....that is a better record then any other European country, save for 4: Italy, Germany, France, Spain. Shame Holland didn't win the '74 WC as they had one of the greatest teams ever. At club level, Fayenrood, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax have been successful winning several European titles. As for Art, Dutch/Flemish Art historically is up there with the best.... Italian Renaissance, French Modern... Anyway, apologies for going off-topic in a Brazilian NT thread.
Dutch 74 was a great team that played freely and with creativity thanks to Cruyff, Neeskens et al. Same applies to Dutch 88. But all the other revered NT's lacked creativity and freedom. They played like robots. Too mechanical. That is the difference between the generations. reaching finals 3 times without clinging the title once is already good indication of what I was commenting about. We've indeed reach 3x WC finals with great talented teams but we've failed to cling the title once because we've always collapsed as soon as they score the first goal against us. It takes only one goal against us the Dutch to make us cave in. We do lack resilience competitively. Am I a bit too harsh? Perhaps I am. But I am also honest and frank. We have lots of talent but we lack the balls to crack on during critical moments.
Well, I'm not Dutch, but I see it a little differently. Take the 2010 final for example...I didn't see any quit in the Dutch, and the game could have gone either way...Its not like the Dutch got blown out 4-0 or whatever. Anyway, I'm sure its only a question of time...their day will undoubtedly come.
Yes, but it has taken too long now. Seeing Spain clinging the titles since '10, made me restore my hope that we will see Hollands turn soon. Considering this current Dutch side, I think we are in for a long wait. Sorry for my cynicism but we Dutch people like to fill our glass half full LOL
Yesterday June 21 was the 47th anniversary of Brazil winning it's 3rd World Cup with arguably the GREATEST team to ever win the World Cup!!!
After the match against Spain, Buffon labelled Brazilian Ronaldo as the best he has ever faced. He said, "Ronaldo, the Brazilian one...He was the perfect player, as he had power, speed, intuition technical skills and quickness. He was a jaw-dropping player. It seemed like he was created in a lab." http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/09/04/59ad779622601d451a8b45e9.html
Brazil has reached the semi finals of the U -17 Fifa world cup held in India...They beat Germany 2 - 1....They play England next in semis....Goal scored by Weverson and Paulinho.
Happy 77th Birthday to the Greatest Player to ever kick a Futebol.......PELE!!!!!! Thanks for all the goals and memories and 3 World Cups!!!
Kaka has officially retired. Globo did this piece. Never seen something like this for any other player.
Great player. My favorite player along with Ronaldo. It was magic to see both playing in the Brazil national team. And Kaka was the last Brazilian who won the Best player award. It says a lot.
The last non Ronaldo / Messi to win the award is more precise. Although it's true Brazilians haven't had a candidate until Neymar.