I agree. I think that is the difference maker. My wife says that for brazilians, football is life. I think that's why Brazil has always created legendary type soccer stars. She's particularly partial for Ronaldo o fenomeno, who was not called up for Confederations Cup when Brazil lost to Mexico 1-0 this year. Then in the same tournament, against a capable Argentina, I saw a game that could have been about 7-0 had the Brazilians scored all those goals they missed. My other team is the U.S. We are not quite producing the talent that other major soccer powers are, but I think that we are getting some good ones, but it seems like Parreira has an assembly line of craques to choose from. If Ronaldo hurts his knee again, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Adriano and Robinho are all there to take his place. And all of these are stars in their own professional careers.
just because I'm a strong supporter doesn't mean I'm a dreamer..... brazil is good, but they shouldn't be "FEARED" they're just human like anyone else, and they are certainly beatable. One thing that is key here, is whose side the ref is on too <-- Remember that! ex: Brazil vs. Turkey in world cup 2002 if u know soccer, you know what I'm talking about
Even if the referee didn't call that penalty, it would have been a draw, Brasil would have ended up in first place even so, and Turkey qualified in the end anyways. So what's the point?
Well they might be humans but Ronaldinho definitely's not.. Just look at his divine smile, he's like some mythologic creature, half-human half-horse
i dont even know why this is debated. nothing is impossible. brazil can be beat, it's just hard to do so.
This is kind of obvious and doesn't provide a lot of specific advice, but teams that have played together with the same group of core players for a while have the best chance. National teams that are peaking in terms of a generation of players. Turkey and Mexico, a few of the South American teams in the past 2 WC cycles, are the ones that come to mind. Obviously, this isn't really something that can be prepared for in a 6 month buildup to the WC, but as another poster suggested, it's probably your best hope--to counter the individualistic oriented game with a team game. I was at the first Brasil-Turkey game, and this was the reason they stayed with Brasil--aside from 2-3 players (plus the GK), they were outclassed talent-wise, but played so, so very well as a team. Oh, and (Did anyone mention this yet? I hope so but am too lazy to check)--Excellent, mistake-free goalkeeping, especially on set pieces.
It has proven futile time and again, packing the box doesn't work against Brazil. Play an intilligent and agressive defense, don't give silly freekicks close to goal to the likes of Carlos. Most of all, most of all - dominate the midfield, if not by skill, then by agression, speed and fury. That is where games are won against Brazil. if midfiled goes- game goes. Same goes to beat Argentina by the way, although Argies don't have the same fire power
I also agree. Any team facing brazil at the world cup should be afraid of the specialist uv the dead ball situations. Juninho Pernambucano, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos. The guys with that special moment of brilliance, Ronladinho, Ronaldo, Adriano, Kaka. As far as the defense, brasil is known for their frail defense. But with Cicinho, Lucio,Juan,RCarlos, (God forbid they call Roque Junior I dunno what Parreira owes his mom) they should be able to hold pretty well. But anyhow like someone said Soccer is one by the team that scores the most goals. With an offense like that, Brazil can score as many goals as they want. At the coming world cup the defense should let enter as few a possible and the attack should score as much as they can. I count on Ronaldinho, Adriano,Ronaldo and Robinho to set the world cup alight.
Brazil is very beatable, especially in Europe and in group stages. Don't give them too much credit. Last world cup, turkey almost had them if it wasnt for Rivaldo's fantastic hollywood action. In 1998, Scotland nearly tied them, and Norway beat them 2-1. In 1994, Sweden tied them. So don't fret! They are doable! Also, i dont think they've ever won a world cup in Europe as well.
I completely lost all respect for Rivaldo when he faked an injury like that. He was the left-footed player one time in the world, such a disgrace.
Can somebody please tell me Brazils Defence... Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Cicinho i know im forgetting some people but i cant remember who.
Am I wrong that Cafu has retired from international soccer? I thought that the last WC was his last, and that was part of the significance about them winning it...other than Ronaldo redeeming himself in brazilian eyes.
maybe if he does play he is done and hasnt really proven himself in Milan anymore.. i would like to know Brazils starting line up please
Dida; Cafu, Lucio, Juan, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Zé Roberto, Kaká, Ronaldinho; Adriano, Ronaldo. Cafu has not retired from international football and, barring injuries, is currently the absolute starter for the right back position in the Brazilian National team. Cicinho is his immediate replacement.
Luciooooooooooooo how can i forget. great line-up but do you guys believe that you guys will win it all this year?
Hmmm, not a good statement, let's see how you support it. Why does everyone remember it like this??? Brazil was already up 2x1 and the game was in injury time or close when Rivaldo pulled his stunt. It did not affect the result. Almost isn't good enough and Brazil had already secured 1st place before the Norway game (Norway had only 2 points, Brazil had 6, Scotland and Morrocco had one and no one could catch up to Brazil in the final game). Wow. It is doable, but please try to make a better argument. As others have pointed out to you Brazil is the only team ever to win in another continent.
Or Belgium-Brazil in 2002. The ref admitted he made a mistake, calling a foul for Vilmogts' heading 'goal'.
I think Japan is the biggest threat tecnically. They have some fantastic quialty players, and two amazing playmakers in Nakamura & Nakata. Actually there was another guy who plays in Japan (with one of the big clubs) and he was amazing also. Giving some fantastic passes, it looked like Pirlo had a japanese cousin. (If anyone knows who i am talking about please let me know his name). From what i saw last year at the Confederations Cup, Japon are very much a quality team and apparently Zico seems like a very good coach. He had made a fantastic lineup, and tactically they seemed very well placed and organized. They are tremendously fit and technical, and from last world cup, definetly 1000 times better. They all work very hard and have a fantastic disipline (Japanese tradition). And they will never stop running or give up. They will have problems against Brazil and Croatia , becuase of their physicallity. Brazilians and Croatians are definetly bigger and stronger, so they have to try to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible. If they do that, and give it 100%, they will probably draw Brazil and maybe win against Croatia. As for Croatia, well they have lotsa quality, and they are one of the toughest group of players in the Cup. They have a horrible coach (if its the one from Euro 2004). Please enlighten me if they removed him. Australia, definetly not enough quality. I saw the 2 matches against Urugay, Grealla can provide a bit of flair but not enough. Go Japon !!!