FIFA World Cup 2010: Team Profile – Brazil
Brazil are the only team to have figured in every World Cup final from the time the event began, in 1930. In this year’s edition, they are arguably placed in the toughest group G, along with Ronaldo-led Portugal, Drogba inspired Ivory Coast , and North Korea.
Brazil will aim to head their group, so as to meet the second team from group H, most likely, Chile. They will be tested by Ronaldo-led Portugal, and should they fail the test, will probably have to face Spain, in the second round. Incidentally, European champions Spain are the bookmakers’ favourite at this world cup, and Brazil could face the prospect of an early exit.
Assuming that they do head their group, and meet Chile, their strongest challenge is likely to be the Netherlands, in the quarter finals, possibly followed by England in the semi-finals.
Barring a 2-1 defeat by Bolivia, Brazil had an excellent campaign en route to qualifying for the 2010 finals. The 2009 Confederation Cup was the icing. Coach Dunga who is yet to announce the final squad of 23, has an embarrassment of riches, to choose from, with the likes of Luis Fabiano and Robinho in the forward line, Kaka and Luis Ramires in midfield, and Julio Cesar in goal. That a midfielder of the calibre of Ronaldinho is not assured of a place in Dunga’s team is sufficient proof of Brazil’s strength.
Can you blame Brazil’s army of fans for licking their lips in anticipation?
Yet, ironically, Brazilian fans are not happy with just winning, but winning in Samba style. Dunga’s defensive style has not gone down well with Brazilians who still teart the 1970 cup winning squad as the true representatives of the Brazilian style.
But Dinga is mainly concerende with results, and he has produced them aplenty in his time at the helm of the squad. Himeslef a defender in the 1994 title winning Brazilian side, Dunga has created a team in his own mould.
If a win can be had with less creativity on the field, Dunga is not the one to complain. And with Brazil having won 36 of the 53 matches on his watch, the coach cannot be faulted for being a little smug about his methods.
But he is running a real risk. If Brazil win the crown, the fans back home might tolerate him, but only just. But were the team to lose at any stage – even the final – Dunga might not relish returning to his home country to face the wrath of fans.
Category: FIFA World Cup, Football
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jinxatious is the Chief Editor of SportingAttitude.com
An avid writer, on an eclectic range of subjects, he brings to bear editorial experience garnered with a national newspaper in South-East Asia. He also has sportscasting experience, as a cricket commentator, and his passion for sport extends beyond Cricket, to Football, Tennis, and Olympic Sports.
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