Brazil, Fear & The Power of a Yellow Shirt

Brazil advanced to the quarter finals of the FIFA Under-20s World Cup 2009 today courtesy of a 3-1 victory over South American rivals Uruguay.

It was all wrapped up in nine scintillating minutes for Brazil, as first half goals from Alan Kardec and two from Alex Teixeira saw the junior Seleção race into a 3-0 lead after just over half an hour. And though Jonathan Urretaviscaya pulled one back for Uruguay after 36 minutes, it was not enough for La Celeste to advance.

What I want to know after this match though is – just what is it about Brazil? What Jedi mind tricks do they pull to make teams so afraid of them? Is it psychological? Does the imagery of their iconic golden-blue kit burn so deep into the psyche of opponents it overwhelms them into the terrifying belief that they face not eleven men but the entire sporting history of a nation?

Seleção syndrome

Today’s game was a prime example of what I call Seleção syndrome. Uruguay were one of the pre-tournament favourites of this year’s Under-20s World Cup. Their squad is blessed with promising young talent – Urretaviscaya, Nicolas Lodeiro, Tabare Viudez, Sebastien Coates. And in qualifying they held their own with Brazil, both winning and losing 3-2 on the road to Egypt.

And yet the moment they entered that football field for a knockout game Uruguay became embarrassingly awkward, as if so humbled to be in such esteemed company that they didn’t want to muddy the legendary shirts of their prestigious opponents.

This may in part be attributable to a lack of leadership and the absence of their number 10 Gaston Ramirez who was suspended. And make no mistake, Brazil U-20s are no slouches. Kardec, Teixeira, Douglas and Giuliano are thrilling prospects and given space and time they ripped into Uruguay, devouring them inside nine first half minutes.

But until Uruguay went in at half time, no doubt to face a blasting from their coach, they played like a team simply too afraid to take on the mighty Brazil. In the second half La Celeste were much improved. They looked far less overawed and showed a commitment and belief that was truly lacking in the first half. A string of openings were squandered and Abel Hernandez missed a late penalty for 3-2, but the fact Uruguay had more shots on goal than their opponents over 90 minutes merely highlights their ability and emphasises the disappointment of a first half played in fear.

There goes the fear

A telling hint at the jittery trepidation mention of the word ‘Brazil’ can cause other international football sides came in the pre-match build-up. When asked about the upcoming last sixteen clash against Brazil, Uruguay U-20s coach Diego Aguirre feigned defiance:

“Many teams in this competition would be frightened at the prospect of playing Brazil, but not Uruguay. We played them in the South American Championships twice, winning one game 3-2 and losing the other 3-2. It’s going to be close, but we believe in ourselves.”

His choice of words merely brings to life the underlying dread that often exists for teams whenever Brazil are in town. A heady mix of defiance, doubt and deference, it is as though Aguirre were still struggling to convince himself, let alone others, that his team could beat these eleven, golden-yellow clad, towering giants of footballing excellence. Given the way his team played in the first half, he persuaded no-one.

This anxiety of facing Brazil also translates to senior level. Certainly in the mind of former Brazil player and coach Mario Zagallo.

“Everyone is afraid to play Brazil, that’s the reality and I’m sure of it,” the 77-year-old told the media prior to World Cup 2006 in Germany. ”I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the other side. The ones who say that Brazil are favourites are fearful, they’re trying to shirk their responsibilities,” he added. It is an insightful perspective and one I find myself agreeing with.

Certainly now, the theory is as relevant as perhaps it has ever been. Brazil coasted through their qualifying group for South Africa 2010 and won the 2009 Confederations Cup despite having first team players like Andre Santos, Gilberto Silva, Ramires and Josue who, respectfully, are neither world-beaters nor at the height of their own career arc. In fact, many teams have held their own with Dunga’s side over the last two years including Egypt, USA, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.

So why does that same sense of panic and dread emerge whenever teams face Brazil in the latter stages of major competitions?

Uruguay U-20s were a good enough team to beat Brazil U-20s today. As were USA in the Confederations Cup final, certainly with a two goal lead. But both buckled under the weight of their own destiny. No matter how talented, or how advantageous the situation, the idea of beating Brazil appears to be one that causes both teams and players great hesitation.

So what is it about those yellow shirts?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOCXNfn5zQ]

Brazil, Brazilian Football, FIFA, U-20 World Cup, Uruguay