Today in the first of 8 blogs, I will look at one of the favorites in Brazil. They will kick of their tourney on June 15 at 10:00 against Egypt at the Free State Stadium. They are also joined in Group B with Italy and the United States.
On that date, Brazil will set out to turn a lackluster 7 years and win another major international trophy. Brazil are the world's most successful World Cup side. Having won 5 World Cups thus far, only Italy is close with 4. In this trial run into the World Cup, Brazil will look to solidify a lineup that needs just a little bit of tweaking. Recent years haven't been as great for the Brazilians, but that doesn't mean that they can't come back and take the tourney with real ease.
Strength- With the Brazilians, there is a certain flare that is always mentioned. Their form of art is the samba and that is exactly how their attack has been played for decades. The likes of Pele and Ronaldo have played this way. And now the torch is about to be passed to a new man. Alexandre Pato will look to run with that torch at the Confederations Cup. In the attack with Pato will be Kaka and Robinho. Brazil's squad isn't all the way full-strength, but it's close to it. Also, Luis Fabiano will look to prove a point in this one. If he gets to start, then he can put on a show with his large frame and rocket shot.
Weakness- No surprise, it's the defence. They have tons of guys from top European clubs, but that doesn't matter here. They'll likely start Dani Alves, Lucio, Juan, and Maicon. Alves plays for Barca and is very suspect in defence, but not in the attack. Brazil can't afford to go all-out attack because Juan and Lucio are just way too weak in the back to have eight attacking all the time. They can not put too much pressure of the key player, or they are in trouble.
Player to Watch- This one is easy to pick. Whenever Brazil is involved with a tourney, you have to look at their keeper. In the past, Brazil have never really had a good 'keeper. But that all has finally changed. Julio Caesar, Inter Milan's goalkeeper, has been veyr impressive with his club form over the last two seasons and could prove to actually be an asset to the Brazilians cause. If he were to get hurt, Brazil would likely play the wonderful Heurelho Gomes of Tottenham, who's form is almost the same as Dida's. If Caesar can just save the ones that he is supposed to Brazil will have a relatively good chance at great things. So, that is why Julio Caesar is the Player to Watch.
Prediction- In the group of death that is Group B, Brazil will pull through with either 7 or 9 points and come out in first place.
Thanks, it's been Keeper and I'm out.
Julie Henderson
Jarah Mariano
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This Brazil isn't old Brazil. Dunga has them playing a very boring, defensive based football. I think Juan and Lucio are more than capable in central defense (if a bit old), but the real question will be the play of their holding midfielders.
The success of Brazil both in the Confed Cup and next year's World Cup rests on the shoulders of Gilberto Silva (seriously), Anderson, Felipe Melo, and Lucas.
j11forbes: Go Jo-Jo…
Denver , CO
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That was kind of my point. Who are Brazil's starting holding midfielders at this point? The holding midfielders have always been the backbone of Brazil's attack, ensuring proper distribution to their attacking midfielders and forwards. Now, it looks like they have to start Anderson and Felipe Melo heading into the next World Cup, but Melo is unproven in big games and Anderson completely disappeared against Barcelona. This spells trouble for Brazil.
j11forbes: Go Jo-Jo…
Denver , CO
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Felipe Melo is one of the starting midfielders for Fiorentina. Had a great year replacing Fabio Liverani and has been linked to Juventus, Inter, AC Milan, Chelsea, and a few other teams this offseason. Josue might also be a good option, but the point is that none of these players at the level of Edmilson and Silva in the 02 World Cup or Dunga in the 1994 World Cup.
j11forbes: Go Jo-Jo…
Denver , CO
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A lackluster seven years? Didn't they qualify by beating Argentina 3-0 in the 2007 Copa America? Just askin'...
The Las Vegas Genius
Las Vegas , NV
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I wouldn't say Brazil had a lackluster seven years. Anyway, as long as this team isn't full of the usual All-Stars that seem all for self (which I think doomed them in WC 2006) then Brazil will be fine.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (18072)
Believe me, I'm pretty sure I've been Brasil's and Dunga's biggest critic on this site. At the risk of sounding redundant, I'll say it again- the worst thing that could happen to the Selecao is for them to do well in this tournament. Everything is not fine with Brasil right now. Even at the Copa, they didn't look good until the Argentina game, and I'm pretty sure the Albicelestes bus got lost on the way to the game and Hugo Chavez told some policemen to put on some kits. So, yeah, I'm concerned. I mean, is everyone forgetting that Dunga has never managed before? What's wrong with this picture? A guy that was a holding midfielder his entire career is managing a team with a reputation for attacking, flowing football, only his team plays like its the 1990 World Cup and we just need to keep it nil-nil and take our chances with PKs.
Everyone is talking about how its so great that there's no egos and primadonnas in the squad, but sometimes you need those sort of characters to put you over the top. Right now, this team does not have one player who can be looked at as the talisman. 20002 had Ronaldo. 1994 had Romario. Some bloke named Pele did the business in the first three WC-winning squads. In fairness, there were obviously more names involved with each team, but you get the idea. Who is that player for Brasil now? Kaka? I'm not sure he has the testicular fortitude to be that player, as talented as he is. Whoever that player is, no one is certain, but I can guarantee you that Brasil, at least right, is vulnerable. I hope I'm wrong, but I do not see good things happening for them in South Africa next year.
The Las Vegas Genius
Las Vegas , NV
Total Comments (2896)
Damn. It looks like Brazil is going to be a tough team. They are definitely going to be a team that I want to watch when they play.
Dyhard- Stop…
Germantown, WI
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