Brazil x Portugal Friendly Anyone going to be able to tape this? Sure would love to see Scolari's Portugal take on Brazil. I'm out of pocket and won't have the chance to even look for the game. Post here or PM me if we can make arrangements. Thanks
Is it on TV? How are people planning on watching this game? I thought it would only show on Brasilian or portuguese tv.
Portugal wins 2x1 in what seemed to be a chilling rain in Porto. I watched it all on Globo here in Brasil, and my limited Portguese didn't seem to get in the way of some good action. Overall it was a fairly intense game with more physical play than I expected to see from both sides. Portugal scored first when Brasil played some sloppy defense in the first 15 minutes. Marcos was in goal and looked a little shaky on the serious threats. Ronaldo was substituted at half time. Ronaldinho equalized in the 2nd half when he drew a questionable penalty in the box. The free kick was beautiful. Roberto Carlos was red carded for intentionally bumping the official in protest of a seemingly bunk foul called on Rivaldo outside the Brasilian box 35 min into the 2nd half. On the ensuing free kick, Deco (a Brasileiro that is naturalised to Portugal now) sent a beautiful free kick that Marcos deflected into his own goal. Scolari looked ecstatic along with the rest of the Portuguese who apparently haven't beaten O Selecao for 37 years.
Re: Is it on TV? It was on PPV some palces as well as anyone w/ satellite that subscribes to Globo International...
Defense and sharp shooters Brazil hit the post twice (Ronaldinho and Rivaldo), but besides the lack of sharp shooting the main problem was the defense. I had to listen to the radio (Portuguese station) and apparently Roberto Carlos got taken to he cleaners a few times,and the middle of the defense was playing catch-up.
Re: Defense and sharp shooters I expect Felipao to know how to attack his own team. Especially in a 4-4-2. I still think that given the players the Selecao is currently using, the 3-5-2 works much better for them. He was quoted even before the game as saying Cafu needs more than 2 central defenders to cover more his mistakes and inability to get back. I know he and Roberto Carlos both play well for their club teams without running 3-5-2, but those teams have other midfield players much more committed to defense than the Selecao does and a different playing style that lets those two still make great plays on the offensive end. Parreira had Corinthians playing with 3 forwards much of the time last year - and their defense got victimized a few times as well. Let's see how he puts this team together...
Re: Re: Defense and sharp shooters I will post later with more time - but I have little else to add but the defense was suspect and Felipao shredded the CBF defense - which isn't a coincidence since this was what he stressed so much when he managed the Selecao. Offense wasn't particularly un-organized, however and will probably be the overwhelming backbone of the CBF strength. The way I see this... it hurts mroe so as the Selecao will most likely be victimized by counter-attacking football unless they clog the midfield - I wouldn't be surprised if they play with two defensive mids in the future.
it's pretty sad that they lost! what's even worse is that scolari led them to the finals in korea and japan and then he quit to go coach portugal. he's being a traitor and personally i think coaches shouldn't be allowed to do that. Deco should have been playing for brasil not portugal anyways. oh well brasil lost but it doesn't matter as much because it was just a friendly. they just need to start winning more for pride. way back in like the 1970's and stuff they didn't even lose a friendly but now it seems like they don't care. sorry if my english is bad!
Ronaldo Substitution Haven't read any statements from Pareira about why Ronaldo was subbed, but he didn't do much in the first half. He never received the ball in space where he could run, tried a couple of cute passes with Rivaldo that didn't work out, and the biggest non-highlight was receiving a free kick from R Carlos that he one-touched right to the keeper. The guy has had a long season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he needed to come out for the rest and to prevent any injuries that could happen on the wet, sloppy pitch.
Your english is perfectly fine. It's a little upsetting that they can't seem to get a result in a friendly against any decent competition in the past couple of years. I'm sure they've had long seasons and all of that and it is of course easier for the other country to get motivated. I think Scolari did the best thing possible for himself. I can understand that after winning the World Cup, there is nothing left for you but criticism in Brasil as a coach. And maybe he can get some good performances from an underacheiving Portuguese team. As for Deco, Brasil has had the chance to play him and cap-tie him to Brasil for years. And he's the perfect example of a player with a lot more to prove than anyone on the Selecao right now. Which is kind of why I would like to see Parreira bringing in someone new to start - even just mixing in 1 or 2 new faces with the rest of the starters to bring some added energy.
Good points all. Scolari is a very good coach and he certainly knows Brazil's team inside out. He had nowhere to go but down in Brazil and I think he'll make Portugal into a very competitive team. Now days there's just too many friendlies and with Brazil's stars all concentrating on their European club seasons I'm not surprised Brazil played a lackluster match.