23 for 2010 – Brazil: World Cup squad analysis
As ever, Brazil are one of the favourites to win the World Cup this summer, having finished top of the group in South American qualifying. And after success in South Africa at the Confederations Cup last year, is World Cup number six on its way? New columnist Paulo Freitas is here to offer Just Football readers the lowdown, all the way from Brazil:
Goalkeepers
Júlio César, Doni & Heurelho Gomes
As one of the best goalkeepers in the World, Júlio César is guaranteed to be Brazil’s first team goalkeeper in the competition. Doni is likely to be the reserve goalkeeper. Despite the criticism he often receives in Brazil has been a bench warmer and abroad, and the fact he at Roma during most of the current season.
The third spot is still open, with Gomes and Victor fighting for that place, though it is believed the Tottenham Hotspur number 1 will be selected. Gomes is having a great season in the English Premier League and used to be the first team goalkeeper of Brazil before the emergence of Júlio César.
Right-backs
Maicon and Daniel Alves
Maicon is expected to be the first team right-back. He is a hulk of a player who adds a lot of attacking support for Brazil. The other right-back is Daniel Alves who is technically better than Maicon and also more versatile, often being used as Brazil’s “12th player” by Dunga.
Central defenders
Lúcio, Juan, Luisão and Thiago Silva
Seleção’s captain Lúcio is the main man in the defense. The 31-year old player is one of the key reasons why Internazionale reached the Champions League final and his runs to support the attack are an asset for Brazil. Juan, a very complete defender, is expected to be his partner, but his injury problems provide cause for concern.
Luisão is a tall and strong defender, and is the captain of Benfica at club level. He managed to overcome criticism and doubts from the Brazilian public to establish himself in the national team. Thiago Silva from Milan is the last central defender, his main asset is his technique but he is also pretty fast and has most of the qualities expected from a good central defender.
Left-backs
Michel Bastos and Gilberto
Although often playing in different positions at club level, both Michel Bastos and Gilberto fit into the attacking full-back description. The Lyon player’s versatility and his long shots and free kicks will be useful assets for Brazil, while the Cruzeiro player adds his 2006 World Cup experience. Gilberto had a drop in form at Hertha Berlin and Tottenham but has undergone a revival since returning to Cruzeiro, becoming one of Brazil’s best options for the left-back in recent times.
Defensive midfielders
Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Josué and Kléberson
The first team defensive midfielders are going to be Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo. The former plays closer to the defenders, and his main function is to destroy, unlike his partner who is expected to also add some creativity and to connect defense to attack.
Felipe Melo has often been the target of criticism due to his poor temper and frequent card-collecting. Josué and Kléberson are likely to be the remaining players in this position. The function of both is similar, to help Brazil keep control of the ball in the last minutes of a game.
Attacking midfielders
Kaká, Elano, Júlio Baptista and Ramires
Kaká is regarded as the star of the team, his main function being to lead the counter-attacks. His lack of games at Real Madrid due to a persistent hernia problem is a reason for concern. The other attacking midfielders are far more defensive minded, with Elano a first teamer responsible for delivering crosses and set pieces.
Júlio Baptista is not a first teamer, but won Dunga’s confidence by scoring important goals, such as the first one in the Copa América final in 2007. He adds physical strength and versatility, but not much creativity. The other bench warmer is Ramires, who tends to be used in Elano’s place, to add dynamism and increase the tempo. As he was originally a defensive midfielder, he can also be used in that position if necessary.
Strikers
Luís Fabiano, Robinho, Adriano and Nilmar
Luís Fabiano is a very good finisher, and is also very strong, and these qualities helped him finish in second in the scoring charts in qualifying, just behind Chile’s Suazo. Robinho is going to be his partner. Robinho possesses qualities that complete those of Luís Fabiano such as more speed and technique, and can also score goals, having being top goalscorer in Copa América 2007.
Adriano is Luís Fabiano’s bench warmer, and like the latter he is a strong (and in his case, also tall) player, with a powerful left foot. He can also take free kicks. Adriano’s position in the squad has been in doubt however since he starting having personal problems again.
Nilmar is the fourth striker and he is arguably the most complete of all in the squad, being extremely fast, having good technique, knowing how to finish and being very adaptable. He had a hand in a vast number of Brazil’s goals after the Confederations Cup.
The backup
Victor
Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Brazil, the uncapped keeper is pushing Gomes all the way for that 3rd seat.
Filipe
The Deportivo left back has been capped once by his country and the 24 year old is still in contention for a place in the Brazil squad.
Marcelo
Despite the majority believing Marcelo to be Brazil’s best left back, Dunga has found it hard to accept reasons to pick him for Brazil. The Real Madrid player could still receive a call up however.
Lucas Leiva
The defensive midfielder has found it difficult to break into the first team at Anfield, but the Liverpool player still has a good chance of making it to South Africa.
Grafite
Last season, the 31 year old helped Wolfsburg win the Bundesliga, and he is now thought to be the next striker in line for Brazil. His impressive record in Germany of 50 goals in 77 games is really making Dunga think about his chances of going to South Africa.
Who should be in Brazil’s squad and starting lineup for the World Cup 2010? Tell us below.
(photo via gee-raff on Flickr)
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About Paulo Freitas
Paulo is the Brazilian Head Researcher for Sports Interactive famous game Football Manager, has an extensive and respected knowledge of all levels of the Brazilian game, helped cover Brazil for Just Football during the World Cup. Paulo Freitas can also be found on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Cynegeticus
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I still believe that Ronaldinho should get called up and will be a important player for Brazil. Marcelo should be the left back starter or in left midfield as hes doing great for Real Madrid lately.
I agree with Adam, Ronaldinho should go as a wildcard player! He’d be an amazing game changer off the bench and a great option to have surely. Says a lot about Brazil’s quality that he can’t even make the squad!
Also, whatever happened to Andre Santos? He was quality at the Confed Cup last year…
Andre Santo was caught in a “sex marathon” in Turkey earlier this season…and welp, subsequentially has been left off the team ever since.
Brazil is not one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
Despite having finished top of the group in South American qualifying and winning Confederations Cup last year, Dunga’s team can not be called Seleção Brasileira. Because it does not have the best brazilian players. The four best in-form brazilian players at the moment are Ronaldinho, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar and Julio Cesar, and only the latter is likely to be on Dunga’s team.
So what do you get when the top in-form players from your country are not in the team? You have a bad coach. His name is Dunga. The world will get to know him better very soon.
So here is the lowdown from a Brazilian who does NOT get fooled by Dunga’s results:
Goalkeepers – who is likely going
1- Júlio César is the one.
2- Gomes can replace him.
3- Doni is a tragedy. He is not even playing for his club (Roma). If Julio Cesar gets hurt and Doni gets into the team, Brazil is gonna be in big, big trouble.
Goalkeepers – who should go
1 – Júlio César.
2 – Gomes.
3 – NOT Doni. ANYONE BUT Doni. From Rogerio Ceni and Marcos (both veterans) to young and in-form goal keepers like Victor and Bruno, there are many options.
Right-backs – who is going
1 – Maicon
2 – Daniel Alves
Right-backs – who should go
1 – Maicon
2 – Daniel Alves
(This is a rare case when the best players have been actually chosen by Dunga.)
Central defenders – who is going
1 – Lúcio – he is good, but he is getting old and slow. He can’t be fooled by fast attacking football. Don’t get fooled. Lúcio is NOT one of the key reasons why Internazionale reached the Champions League final. Inter managed to do that because it played with 10 men on the deffense field against Barcelona. It is easy to be a good defender when you have 8 other defenders to help you, including Eto and Milito. Wow, playing like that even I can be a good defender.
2 – Juan – he is good, but he got injured a lot in the last four years. His phisical condition needs to be checked.
3 – Luisão – he is bad. Very slow, very clumsy. He did NOT managed to overcome criticism and doubts from the Brazilian public to establish himself in the national team. He is there because Dunga likes him and that is all there is to it.
4 – Thiago Silva – young and learning. He does not have the ability or the experience to be the “titular”, but it is nice to have him on the squad because he will very likely be one of Brazil’s main defender in 2014.
Central defenders – who should go
1 – Lúcio
2 – Juan
3 – Thiago Silva
4 – Durval – He plays for Santos. Santos is the best Brazilian team of the last 10 or 20 years. Enough said.
Left-backs – who is going
1 – Michel Bastos – OK.
2 – Gilberto – old and boring. He was on fire in 2006 but Parreira chose the old Roberto Carlos instead. Now Gilberto is past his prime and he is not even playing as a left-back anymore.
Left-backs – who should go
1 – Marcelo – he is playing at high level in Real Madrid.
2 – Maxwell – he is playing at high level in Barcelona.
3 – Léo – he is playing at high level in Santos
Defensive midfielders – who is going
(THIS IS WHERE THE DUNGA TRAGEDY BEGINS)
1 – Gilberto Silva – he was good. But that was in 2002. That was 8 years ago. He is way way past his prime. He used to play in Arsenal and now he plays somewhere in Greece. I can’t even spell his name’s correctly. He is slow, he can’t destroy effectively and he REALLY can’t create anything nor give vertical passes. Dunga’s tragedy begins here.
2 – Felipe Melo – he is strong. and violent. he can destroy stuff. and that is just about it. Good enough if you are Italy and like Gatuso-type players. Good enough for Dunga’s team. Not good enough for Brazil. If you wanna be in Seleção Brasileira then you must be better than that. Way better. Very likely to get some red cards on the WC.
3 – Josué – a virtual nobody. How can this guy be here?
4 – Kléberson – he was good. Like 200 years ago. Now he is not even playing for Flamengo. Sometimes he doesn’t even get to be on the bench! Now on the last game against Corinthians, he was chosen and lucked out. So…
Defensive midfielders – who should go
1 – Ramirez – He is fast, he is smart, he runs a lot, he can give vertical passes, he can also destroy too. When he gets ball possession, he has a lot of creativity and ability to connect defense to attack. An A-list player, wrongly overlooked by Dunga.
2 – Arouca – He is flying in Santos. I mean, flying above all the rest. Like, ridiculously above all the rest. He knows how to destroy, of course. And he can play also, something that Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Josué and Kleberson actually can not. Like play really well, connect defense to attack, give vertical passes and all that.
3 – Hernanes – He is smart, dedicated and obstinated. He is a man on a mission. He was so pissed off after losing the Olympics that he will give his blood to win the WC.
4 – Tiago Motta – He is young, strong and he is doing good in Internazional de Milano. He is not brilliant but, you know, he is like the fourth option here. And he played for Barcelona. You gotta love a guy who played for Barcelona.
Attacking midfielders – who is going
(THIS IS WHERE DUNGA’S TRAGEDY GAINS MOMENTUM)
Kaká – is regarded as the star of the team. Yes, he can lead a good counter-attack or two. Yes, he can give a good pass or two. Yes, he is good enough for a bench-warmer. Not for the first team. Specially because he prefers to run, to score and to play for himself, not for the team. Yes, he is selfish.
Elano – B-list player. Tries much too hard.
Júlio Baptista – B-list player. Yes, same as above.
Ramires – should be used as deffensive midfielder.
Attacking midfielders – who should go
1 – Paulo Henrique Ganso – the best midfielder to come up in Brazil for the last 10 years. Or 20 years. Or since Sócrates. He can protect the ball like Riquelme, he can pass like Ronaldinho, he can drive defenders crazy with “calcanhar” passes like Sócrates, he can control the ball like Zidane. He is that good. Don’t worry. You will hear about him.
2 – Ronaldinho – he is the best brazilian player of the last 20 years. He is back in shape and he is dying to give verticall killer assistances in the WC. Nobody does that better than him. I mean, nobody. OK, maybe Xavi is just as good as Ronaldinho today, but that is it.
3 – Kaka. Could be a great benchwarmer.
4 – Marquinhos or Marlos – Marquinhos is an older guy who is playing classic brazilian attacking football in Santos. Vertical passes, great view and all. Should be tested. Marlos is a rising star. Needs to mature, but can be a very good fourth option.
Strikers
Attackers – who is going
(LAST CHAPTER OF DUNGA’S TRAGEDY)
1 – Luís Fabiano – he is good, very good finisher, very strong.
2 – Robinho – he is playing like a kid again in Santos. But he needs his santos team-mates to create magic.
3 – Adriano – he is a pathetic choice. You have read about what he did. Yes, booze. Yes, missing TWELVE days in his club in the first 120 days of the year. Yes, he is that bad.
4 – Nilmar – He can play well but he is too fragile.
Attackers – who should go
1 – Neymar. He is a wonderkid. he is different. he can pass, he can move and he can score like a matador. AND he is flying in Santos. I mean, it is ridiculous how good this kid is RIGHT NOW. Better than all four guys above will ever be.
2 – Robinho. He can make a KILLER attack with Neymar by his side.
3 – André. He plays with Robinho and Neymar in Santos. They score a lot of goals. Enough said.
4 – A tie betweem Luis Fabiano and Nilmar.
I have been following the Brazilian national team for over 30 years and reading just about everything that has been written about them. I must admit this is one of the best analysis I have seen on individual players.
With exception of having no opinion or sufficient knowledge about a couple of players listed, e.g. André, Marquinhos, Marlos, and Arouca – I am 100% with this analysis. – well done!!
I wish Dounga would read it and make him think twice about his selections. However, Dunga is Dunga – he won’t change his opinion, as I suspect he has some issues about skilled players; perhaps they used to look down on him during his playing years. Sometimes, words mean nothing and results speak Lauder, perhaps the next Brazilian national team coach will learn from Dunga’s mistakes. Thanks again!
Adel
Luciano, I have to say, that is easily one of the best reader comments I have read in the 2 and a bit years running Just Football! Great stuff!
I’m really intrigued by Neymar and I totally agree that Ronaldinho should go (it is absolutely crazy not to have such a player in the squad – he’s got something to prove and he’d probably be the best wild card option in the history of the game).
I also think Hernanes should get a chance. Not convinced by Josue, Julio Baptista or Adriano from the list Paulo has made here really. Those 3 out, Ronaldinho, Hernanes/Thiago Motta and possibly Neymar in.
Good stuff, am enjoying hearing everyone’s opinions.
I don’t think Ronaldinho should go, although in theory he has the talent to be there, he has often failed to impress at the national team, and his attitude hasn’t always been the best one. There have been lots of rumors in the last couple days that he might be called up after all though.
I would like to see Neymar and Paulo Henrique in the team, but for Neymar it would be hard to get in as he would have to displace either Nilmar or Robinho, not Adriano (as Adriano is one of the “heavy” strikers). For Paulo Henrique it’s easier as his rivals aren’t as good as Neymar’s, and the fact he is older (20) also benefits him. Júlio Baptista would be the logical player to be replaced by him, but JB is still a very useful squad member as he is strong, experienced and versatile.
I am not so convinced about Thiago Motta, he is playing well but is hardly a great player and wouldn’t really add anything much different to the squad, Hernanes would be a better option here, as he is a far more complete player too.
To Luciano,
Not trying to offend your choices but If Brazil were to select all the players you suggest I expect Brazil will play an exciting & creative style of football through the group stage and should make it to the quarter-finals without any major issues. The problems would start once Brazil faces teams like Germany, Italy, Holland and even France. These are teams that know how to neutralize Brazil’s all out offensive style. If we were to have Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Arouca, Marcelo and other young players starting for Brazil, we would most probably see an unexpected early exit. Sometimes you need a coach with conviction. Some may call it stupidity, but so far Dunga’s record speaks for itself.
Brazil is playing a more defensive and less creative style of football under Dunga, but in World Cup the more defensive style of play has obtained better results for Brazil and other teams. If you notice in 1994 and 2002 when playing with 3 defensive midfielders, Brazil won the World Cup. Italy proved in 1994 and 2006 that as long as you can defend against anybody, you have a good shot to make it to the finals and Italy has almost no offensive creativity to compliment their superb defense. Here’s an interesting fact:
1994 – Brazil’s starting midfield:
Mauro Silva – Very strong physical defensive midfielder
Dunga – A destroyer in the midfield, neutralized other players well.
Mazinho – Defensive midfield player with creative passing ability
Zinho – The sole offensive midfielder after Mazinho replaced Rai
RESULT: World Cup Champion
1998 – Brazil’s starting midfield:
Dunga – A destroyer in the midfield, neutralized other players well.
Cesar Sampaio – Defensive midfield player with creative passing ability
Rivaldo – Amazing talent, Brazil’s best midfielder since Zico.
Leonardo – Though he played as an offensive midfield, he had experience as a Left back, and was an important piece in terms of defending.
RESULT: World Cup Champion runner up
2002 – Brazil’s starting midfield:
Emerson – Pretty much a Dunga clone, another destroyer in the midfield.
Gilberto Silva – Defensive midfield player with great vision.
Edmilson – Played defensive midfield or a libero defender role at times
Rivaldo – Amazing talent, Brazil’s best midfielder since Zico.
RESULT: World Cup Champion
Three World Cup Finals, two times Champions.
Granted I think Brazil should still call Ronaldinho, especially with Kaka’s situation possibly being aggravated during the World Cup. I also think Neymar should go, but not as a starter.
Santos bias aside, I think Luciano makes some good points. The volantes and meias are a disaster but Dunga is stubborn and likes sticking with players even though it’s clear they aren’t top level material.
Ronaldinho, whilst he’s had his problems is still one of the most talented and special players Brazil has. He can provide something completely different, something Elano and Júlio Baptista can only dream of. Hernanes is a glaring omission, and I don’t understand those players he picks over him. Thiago Motta could be interesting too.
The rise and form of Paulo Henrique and Neymar is exciting and even though they are both young and very inexperienced, they have the quality. I would maybe include one of them, probably Ganso at the expense of Elano or J.Baptista, to play alongside Kaká (who I think you’re being slightly harsh on). It would be interesting to see Santos lads linking up for the Selecao one day, but for now Luís Fabiano has to be a starter (with Robinho).
it looks like Neymar and Ganso ARE GOING TO MAKE to the seleção brasileira: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsoCLxZzgw0&feature=player_embedded.
Things change. Let’s hope Dunga call them tomorrow!!!!!!!
I think we’d all like to see Ronaldinho go, as the same I feel for Ronaldo & Roberto Carlos, but it just wont happen. I’d love to see Neymar go as well, but unfortunately the chances are slim, and dont even get me started on how I feel about Hernanes.
ronaldinho is not selfish like kaka…he has the worlds greatest passes…
Thanks everyone for the words and thoughts. It means a lot to know that what I wrote makes some sense. It is great talking to you guys, it is just a shame we can not have a cold beer and watch some Santos games together! That would be damn nice!
To David McCormack,
David, I see where you are coming from. You want Brazil to to have the best chances to win, right? I want that as much as you, believe me.
I am gonna take some time to answer your post “point by point” because you make such good points. But I believe in different things. Here we go…
***
“If Brazil were to select all the players you suggest the problems would start once Brazil faces teams like Germany, Italy, Holland and even France.”
These teams (I include Argentina and Spain on this A-list) are strong teams that will always create troubles to Brazil (and to any othe team) no matter what. Brazil is always going to have a hard time beating them, playing deffensive or attacking football.
Thing is: I believe that Brazil would have better chances to beat these teams if it chose to play fast attacking football with the likes of Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar, Robinho and Ronaldinho. Why is that? Because Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar, Robinho and Andre are playing some *unbelievable creative fast attacking football* in Santos. And let me tell you, it is pretty hard to stop and neutralize that kind of football. So hard that I beleive these guys could, on a good day, WALK ALL OVER Germany, Italy and France. Seriously. They are THAT good. I have been watching their games and these guys have been RIPING teams here in Brazil in a way that I have never EVER seen before in my entire life.
This kind of creative fast attacking football hasn’t been played in Brazil since Telê’s Santana 1992-1994 São Paulo team. It was like a secret that we all forgot about. People actually though that this kind of football belonged in the past, in the romantic days of football, or in the impossible Barcelona. No! We were al wrong! It is real, it can be done, and let me tell you, these guys (Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar, Robinho, backed by Andre, Arouca, Marquinhos etc) make it all look EASY! That’s why I believe these guys (Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar, Robinho plus A-list guys like Ronaldinho, Hernanes, Ramirez, Arouca etc, backed by top A-list defense players like Julio Cesar, Maicon etc) would make a killer Seleção Brasileira that would have great chances to win.
***
“These are teams that know how to neutralize Brazil’s all out offensive style. If we were to have Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Arouca, Marcelo and other young players starting for Brazil, we would most probably see an unexpected early exit”.
Yes, these teams have been able to neutralize Brazil in crucial games in the last two decades. But let me tell you, these countries have never EVER faced a Brazil team that plays creative attacking football. How is that? Simple: because Seleção Brasileira hasn’t been playing *real creative attacking football* for over two decades!
How is that? Please let me take a few lines to explain. Ever since Ricardo Teixeira (CBF president) took over on CBF more than 20 years ago (yes, he’s been CBF president for over 20 years, like a small country dictator!), the Seleção Brasileira was never the same and hasn’t played real creative attacking football. Actually, Ricardo Teixeira turned Seleção Brasileira into something that plays everything BUT creative attacking football. The “Brazilian style” of the last two decades is NOT real creative attacking football. Actually, for the last 20 years Brazil has been playing more and more european deffensive style and giving up on the traditional nature of Brazilian football. And don’t let WC wins fool you. Brazil has won the WC in 1994 (playing extreme defensive football) and 2002 (not so defensive) not BECAUSE they addopted a defensive style but DESPITE having a defensive style. Thing is, Brazil won 1994 only because of Romario and despite Parreira and his deffensive style. How was that Brazil barely made it against USA, which was a C-list team back then? That is absolutely unthinkable. Had Brazil chosen Telê Santana as 1994 coach (he was the best coach in Brazil in the early 90’s and he made a KILLER team in São Paulo 1992-1994) Brazil would fly past USA and would have much greater chances to beat good teams like Holland and Italy and ANY other team. But Telê Santana wasn’t friends with Ricardo Teixeira so CBF chose Parreira (a terrible coach, you can see what he did in 2006) and that was that.
In 2002 it was the same, Filipão chose a poor kinda deffensive style and Brazil only won because of the genius of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo. It never played good football like a real cohesive team. And to think that Brazil was nearly defeated in the 2002 WC group phase (it only advanced because the judges helped us!), is also unthinkable. A great coach would have made a 10x better team. But, like in 1994, that was that.
Thing is these teams know how to neutralize “Brazil’s style” (which has been a really crappy style for the last 20 years in Seleção Brasileira) but they would have BIG, BIG troubles to neutralize Brazil’s real all out offensive style (which, like I said, Brazil hasn’t really played in the last 20 years or so).
So I really don’t think we would have an early exit. Actually, I think we’d have the other way around (but then you’d have to replace Dunga because he is not able to make Seleção play creative attacking football).
***
“Sometimes you need a coach with conviction”.
Agree here. 100%.
***
“Some may call it stupidity, but so far Dunga’s record speaks for itself.”
I disagree here and I’ll tell you why. Like Parreira in 1994 and Felipão in 2002, I believe Brazil is winning DESPITE of Dunga and not because of him or his convictions. Thing is, what has Dunga won? Let’s do a recap here.
COPA AMERICA 2007. Let’s analyze that. What are the good teams in South America? Brazil and Argentina. So for a team like Brazil all that you need to do in order to win Copa America is winning ONE game against Argentina. Because under normal conditions, you will just walk all over the other teams, right? Not so with Dunga. Under Dunga, Brazil played the worst football in ages and had a HARD TIME against C-list teams. It was sad and painful to watch. Brazil barely made past Uruguai in the semifinals (it was only on penalty kicks and with a helping hand from the referee). In the final, against the much better Argentina (that was playing masterful football under Riquelme) somehow Brazil lucked out with an early goal. And then Argentina had real bad luck and got desperate and Brazil won with counter-attacking. It could easily have gone the other way around. I believe that if *that Brazil* had played 10 times against *that Argentina*, Argentina would have won nine times and Brazil just that one. So, considering that, I can’t really consider Copa America 2007 as something that goes for Dunga. Actually is the other way around: what Brazil did in Copa America 2007 goes against Dunga, it shows that Dunga’s team is weak and plays bad football. They won DESPITE of that, probably because brazilians are so good that they can win even when they play bad football.
1st PLACE ON SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING. This is pretty similar to what happened in Copa America. What are the good teams in the South America Qualifying? Brazil and Argentina. So Brazil is supposed to walk all over the other teams, right? Not so under Dunga. Actually Brazil was terrible for like 80% of the whole thing and found some sort of strenght only in the last games. And Brazil has never played really convincing football. Never played like a real cohesive team. It may have deffended as a cohesive team but in the attack it still depends on the sparks of brilliance from Robinho, Luís Fabiano and Kaká. And that is not enough. That is poor. Brazil could do so much more! So, one more against Dunga here.
COPA DAS CONFEDERAÇÕES 2009. Same here about lack of real opposition. The only A-league here was Spain and Brazil never had to play against it. Is Dunga a lucky guy? All Brazil had to do was beating USA and it barely made it. Actually Brazil was losing until very near the end of that game. So, one more against Dunga here.
So is this Dunga’s record? I think it is a pretty bad one.
***
“In World Cup the more defensive style of play has obtained better results for Brazil and other teams.”
Sure, but tell me which A-team with real chances of winning the WC has actually played real creative attacking football? I can’t remember one team that did it. Brazil certainly did not.
***
“If you notice in 1994 and 2002 when playing with 3 defensive midfielders, Brazil won the World Cup.”
True. Even though I think Brazil won despite having 3 defensive midfielders and not because of them. Brazil actually won because it had Romario.
***
“Italy proved in 1994 and 2006 that as long as you can defend against anybody, you have a good shot to make it to the finals and Italy has almost no offensive creativity to compliment their superb defense.”
True. But don’t forget that Italy has a sad referee help against Australia in 2006. And many other teams played deffensive football and never got nowhere.
***
About the teams you analysed, I really think Brazil could be so much better in 1994 had the coach been Telê Santana.
1994 – Brazil’s starting midfield:
Mauro Silva – Very strong physical defensive midfielder
Dunga – A destroyer in the midfield, neutralized other players well.
Mazinho – Defensive midfield player with creative passing ability
Zinho – The sole offensive midfielder after Mazinho replaced Rai
RESULT: World Cup Champion
Here’s how I believe it shoulda been:
1994 – Coach: Telê Santana
Pintado or Mauro Silva – both were very strong physical defensive midfielders
Valber – A good defensive midfielder with uncanny passing ability
Raí – Offensive midfield with great passing skills, ball control, game view and ability
Palinha – Raí’s partner in São Paulo, light and fast player
LIKELY RESULT: World Cup Champion, great convincing football, great victories.
***
Some more thoughts…
Dunga believes in defensive football. I believe it is OK to believe in defensive football if you are Bolivia’s coach or Italy’s coach. Because defending, for a weak team like Bolivia, is the ONLY option. And for Italy, defending is an like an ART form or something (crazy Italians!).
But if you are a Brazil’s coach, I believe you need to do more than that! Of course Dunga is right about working to have team cohesion and discipline, but there is more to it than that! You can have team cohesion and discipline in a team that plays strong, creative attacking football!
Dunga should build a team that can deffend AND have a creative midfield AND have a strong attacking. You can not have only the defensive part. It is like doing only 1/3 of what you can do! Brazil can do so much more. Brazil is one of the few countries that has enough good players to afford that. Most of the countries can’t play creative attacking football because they just don’t have enough A-list players do do that!
Dunga chooses not to use some players like Ronaldinho and Diego because they have “failed” in Seleção. But I believe it is actually Dunga that has failed to make these guys perform properly. Ronaldinho and Diego have not performed well because Dunga failed to make the team work for them –- AND vice-versa! He builds his team around Elano and Lucio and not around Ronaldinho. That is most likely one of his biggest failures. You have to build your team around your best players **and make these players work for the team** and not the other way around. You can’t build a team around Lucio and Elano and make Ronaldinho and Robinho work for them!
The Brazilian coach needs to use the best players and make all of them work their ass off for the team. If Dunga was a good coach, he would make that.
But Dunga can only make B-list players work for the team, because he has no capacity or knowledge on how to do that, he is weak.
Brazil has some ridiculous amount of talented players that are being dispised by Dunga. To leave Ronaldinho, Neymar and Ganso out of the team is/will be a crime against football. It is like leaving Zico, Romario and Zidane out of the WC. If Dunga can not make these players play good football, than HE is a bad coach.
A great coach would never have a problem like that.
Give the Brazilian players to some great coach like Guus Hiddink, Mourinho, Guardiola, Capello, the late Telê Santana, Wanderley Luxemburgo, Dorival Júnior… and they would come up with teams that would reach that “ideal” football and FLY on the field playing strong creative attacking football and playing WELL – like Barcelona does, like Santos does.
Don’t let the atacking style fool you. It is not about “jogo bonito” or about “artistic football” or “tricks” or Nike commercials. It is about building a SELEÇÃO BRASILEIRA with 11 A-class players and make team play strong, creative attacking football!
Basically (sorry for the long post) I believe that this is the best way to win!
“Lucas Leiva
The defensive midfielder has found it difficult to break into the first team at Anfield, but the Liverpool player still has a good chance of making it to South Africa.”
On the contrary, Lucas has found it all too easy to break into the first team at Anfield.
Wow. So much to take in there Luciano! Brilliant analysis.
My only question really, while I digest it all, is for Dave.
Why is there a perception that quality attacking football can be easily neutralised? Don’t get me wrong, it is a common school of thought (so I’m not aiming this at you directly, more a general question).
It is perhaps far-fetched in the modern era of 2 holding midfielders, caution and defensive frugality, but imagine a Brazil team with Ronaldinho, Kaka, Neymar, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Ganso, Nilmar et al all interchanging in a highly attacking, high-pressing, high tempo lineup.
Maybe you add a defensive all-action midfielder for cover, but the rest you just let play. Would it be so easy to stop? If one doesn’t perform you substitute another and carry on the attacking parade.
Could any defence really stop it?
In practice it may not work – maybe I’m being too carefree. But I struggle sometimes to understand why there is such an emphasis on balance and caution when, really, top attacking players with flair, creativity and skill invariably win football matches.
Fabulous thread of analysis by so many people… Im really up for watching a Santos match. Sounds like they play some seriously attractive football.
My personal viewpoint is that I want to see an all out attacking Brazil side in Africa…Ofcourse Dunga is a little more cautious.
I think the key to world cup success is not playing defensive or attacking. But a team of players who work exceptionally hard on the pitch, both in attack and defence. The players have to work for the team. That I believe is Dunga’s philosophy. It’s the work ethic his looking for from all his players.
Interesting to see that you guys got it spot on, with the exact same team of 23 that he has announced. Good work!
Wow so much to discuss!
“Brazil is not one of the favorites to win the World Cup” should read “Brazil is not one of MY favorites to win the World Cup” as everyone knows that they are. Luciano, you may not like the team because they don’t have enough Santos players but don’t allow this to cloud your judgment. That phrase itself is harsh just like saying Kaka should be a bench warmer.
Johnathan F. – Brazil did play with Ronaldinho, Kaka, Neymar, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Ganso, Nilmar (Zico, Serginho, Eder, Falcao, Socrates, and the “defensive minded” Toninho Cerezo.) It was called 1982 and the similar squad of 1986.
Luciano – Brazil did play with Tele Santana as their coach. It was called 1982 and 1986.
We know how both of these World Cups played out! I also know what occurred (or worse yet, what did not occur) in the 24 years between 1970 to 1994. NO WINS, NO FINALS! My greatest joy in life is watching Brazil play well and more importantly, WIN. In the 8 or 9 years including 1994 and 2002 I saw Brazil play some “un Brazilian” soccer and reach 3 World Cup final games, winning two. Accuse me of wanting to win at all costs but I will gladly trade the feeling I had after we lost a beautifully played game against Italy in the 1982 World Cup with the one when we beat Italy on PK’s after a scoreless draw in the final of the 1994 World Cup. SO WOULD ANY OTHER BRAZILIAN!
Holland played some of the most attractive soccer in 1974 and 1978 but lost to very “negative” squads (West Germany and Argentina respectively). I am not Dutch so I can’t say with certainty, but I would venture a guess that they would trade a lot of their style to have lifted the World Cup trophy.
Saying that quality attacking football can be easily neutralized may be a little far fetch, but solid defensive soccer does give teams the opportunity to not lose games, then let their genius players win it for them. Example, Brazil vs England 2002. Ronaldinho won the game with two moments of pure genius, one on a free kick and another with a great run resulting in an assist to Rivaldo.
Certain things are subjective and debatable, other are objective and are not. In the 21 years Teixeira has been president of the CBF Brazil has had more success than in the 19 years that Coutinho and Guimaraes were in charge (starting 1980). Teixeira, let your wife or ex wife coach the team if it will ensure that Brazil wins the World Cup in South Africa!
Saying that Brazil would have had the same success but with better soccer in 1994, 1998 (if 2nd is success), and 2002 with Santana as coach is very subjective and weakens a very good initial post. The success that Parreira and Scolari had with Brazil is hard to argue with.
Players play the game and with most certainly revert to their preferred style of play, regardless of the coaches game plan or instruction. The primary factor that determines style of play is the personnel chosen by the coach. If Dunga was coaching Spain and he had to play with del Bosque’s first XI, Spain would in my opinion, play like Spain (there might be moderate change).
The truth is, Dunga is picking a group (has picked by time I post this) that he believes will play a style that wins in the 21st century. Unfortunately for purist of the game of football, the game has changed. More opinion: if Santos, who plays a beautiful, attacking style played 10 games against Inter Milan who plays a defensive, counter attacking style, the football purist and lover of the beautiful game would not be happy! The game has changed. international soccer has changed. Hard working and back tackling forwards, defensive minded midfielders, big central defenders seem to be a formula for winning both in the club game and international game.
RUMO AO HEXA – BRASIL!
Another excellent set of points here, thankyou Travis. Although your realist/pessimist perspective on attacking football in the modern game only makes me further crave a 2-3-5 all-conquering Brazilian XI on display in South Africa
In fairness, what is clear from Dunga’s selections in qualifying is that he recognises the need for pragmatism over idealism (I’ve written about this with Brazil previously – http://www.just-football.com/2009/09/argentina-1-3-brazil-maradona-knives/ ).
Players like Elano and Gilberto Silva, though not as technically gifted as others available, are better wheels in the cog. They fit into Dunga’s system better, hence they will always be picked ahead of wildcards like Ronaldinho who are perhaps too unpredictable (both on and off the field) for Dunga to sanction.
A really excellent thread this.
People say that Dunga has a personal problem with Ronaldinho. Along with Kaka and Thiago Silva, Ronaldinho was one of the three overage players to be called on for the Olympics. Kaka got hurt and was not allowed to play and Thiago Silva was great. Dunga stuck his neck out for Ronaldinho and he was a complete flop. I would like to see him added in the squad but how many chances should he get? Fool me once…
***
Dunga’s tragedy has just begun. He just gave a press-conference and he left Ganso, Neymar, Ronaldinho out of the 23 players list.
This is unthinkable, this is almost unbelievable, though nobody is really shocked because that is what pretty everyone was actually expecting from Dunga.
Sad, sad, sad.
We’re going to have Dunga’s Seleção and not Seleção Brasileira on the WC.
I don’t know how many of you guys are from Brazil or if you can understand portuguese. I just wish all of you guys could have watched the TV press-conference that Dunga just did. It was so very sad and embarassing.
***
Yes, it was a ridiculous interview although he obviously had to justify his choices. Although I got all players but Adriano right on my predicted squad (and even Adriano I mentioned had a good chance of missing the final list), I was really wanting some surprises too…
I am looking forward now to see the other seven players, based on the interview, Victor and Carlos Eduardo look likely to be included. I won’t be surprised if Adriano misses it as well.
The seven extra players are these, a list of full of surprises:
Alex (Chelsea)
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Sandro (Internacional)
Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Milan)
Paulo Henrique (Santos)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
Diego Tardelli (Atlético Mineiro)
ONE THING IS FOR SURE BRASILIAN SALSA FLAVOUR CRISPS WON’T WIN THE WALKERS CRISPS WORLD CUP! ANYONE TRIED THEM?
Hang on a minute I’ve only just thought of someone who’s been largely overlooked on here – where’s Pato?
No-one want him in the squad? I know he’s been out of form but the guy is a talent, no?
Alexandre Pato had chances at the national team before, and at the Olympic Team too and never really impressed. His attitude recently hasn’t been that good either (look how he ruined his own marriage). He is a talented player, but is a player for 2014 in my opinion.
luciano u r sooooooo informed an informative. i dont think i kno any one else who could give such a great analysis and i along with many of my male friends (i’m a girl)am a huge football fan. good work, i’d ask u to comment on italy’s line-up but i think u’d crush my teram’s chance of winning this thing, lol
. again, great insight, good info
Hi Terri, nice to hear from you! Nice to know you are a girl, I can like a girl that is into football! I won’t comment on Italy line-up because I don’t really know all the players. All I can say is that I hope Gatuso does not make the team because he reminds me of Dunga and I don’t like Dunga! You know I live in Brazil and don’t really enjoy watching the calcio, the only reason I watch calcio is Ronaldinho, I think he makes killer assistances
, but Milan sucks! I’d love to talk more with you, my e-mail is lucianobrazil2010@gmail.com, please write me if you will! See ya, Luciano
Congratulations to Paulo for getting almost every single player in the squad correct! Only Adriano/Grafite was missing, and even then you hinted that might happen. Good stuff!
i think alexandre pato show have been selected
I’m a bit surprised there is no Romario in the squad.
On a serious note, I have seen Neymar and Arouca in action quite recently and they do look like excellent prospects and a move to Europe cannot be too far away for them.
Quite how Gilberto and Kleberson get in the squad i’ll never know. Gilberto surely needs a zimmer frame to get about now and is playing in one of Europe’s weaker leagues and Kleberson’s recent form at Flamengo has been woeful.
I would be interested to see what people’s take on other up and coming Brazilian players that I have not seen mentioned in the thread such as Miranda, Leo, Dodo and Douglas Costa.
***
Travis,
Dunga always hated Ronaldinho. And he never wanted Ronaldinho in the Olympics team.
Ronaldinho was pushed down Dunga’s throath by Ricardo Teixeira, CBF’s president for 20+ years (yes, Teixeira is the creep that has been slowly but surely killing Seleção Brasileira for the last 20+ years). Since Kaká wasn’t going to the Olympics, CBF needed a big name on the Seleção and Teixeira chose Ronaldinho against Dunga’s will.
Dunga, on the other hand, must have said something like this: “OK, I’ll bring Ronaldinho, but if he fails then you will allow me to never ever call him to the team again”. Dunga eventually called him like once more and that was it for Ronaldinho.
Then again, it was not Ronaldinho’s fault that Brazil lost the Olympics. First, Brazil played against Messi’s Argentina, a great team. Secod, it was the Dunga’s creepy team (and not Ronaldinho) that failed.
Thing is, Dunga can’t make a team work properly to save his life.
That will become pretty clear on the WC.
***
Luciano,
I hope for Brazil’s sake you are incorrect. All though I am a Sao Paulo fan, I was understanding when Rai was sent to the bench in the 1994 World Cup and I still was hoping for a Brazil win. I hope you still want Brazil to win the World Cup despite you utter dislike for Dunga. I live in the USA now and although I may not like to president, I still want the country to succeed, I love my job!
Ronaldinho is not to blame for the loss in the Olympics but he was very poor. By the way, it Ronaldinho was not chosen after Kaka pulled out due to injury, they were 2 of 3 chosen at the same time. Ronaldinho has played below his standard for most of his international career. If he were to be chosen for the World Cup, I don’t see this trend changing. He can only be allowed to under perform so many times. Call it stubborn, but it takes more guts to stick to your guns than to buckle under public pressure. Brazil has gotten results under Dunga and I hope that they will continue to. That is not a guess, that is a fact.
Go ahead and read my posts and answer some of the things I have listed. I have given you facts and you have responded with feelings and guesses. If three World Cup finals in 20 years is considered killing the Seleção, please kill kill kill!!! Saying things like they “got lucky” and “they should have lost” and “Santana would have” just doesn’t cut it. You have an amazing knowledge of domestic football but it is important be realistic and logical.
Travis,
Raí did not perform on 1994 team because that team was coached by Parreira and Parreira is a poor coach that couldn’t make Brazil perform. Basically Brazil did NOT perform creatively on that entire World Cup and Romario and Bebeto saved the day. That Parreira team could only destroy, destroy and destroy. Then, when that team had possession, it didn’t know what to do with the ball. Romario was so good that eventually he scored once or twice every game and Brazil won. But it was horrible. If you could replace Parreira team and you could use São Paulo team with Telê Santana as a coach and some players replaced (you add Romario, for example) Brazil coulda have done 6 x 0 against all those horrible teams (Sweden, USA etc) that it struggled so bad to win! And it would beat Italy 3 x 0! Yes, that is not a fact, that is a feeling. I feel that Parreira team was tremendous waste of potential. It coulda been so much stronger!
And, to make things worse, that win in WC 1994 cursed Brazilian football to this day. Because of that win, a lot of Brazilian coaches started focusing on destroying and not creating. Another win like that and the curse will go on even stronger! If Dunga’s team loses, Brazil football may be reborn and go back to be attacking, creative, fast AND winner! And that will be in a timely fashion, because 2014 WC is in Brazil and so we can have a fast, creative and attacking team that will rip all other teams for scores like 6 x 0, 5 x 0 and 4 x 0! Yes, that may sound foolish and I know it is, but that is how I feel. I feel when Brazil reaches its full potential it is just gonna WALK OVER all the other teams, except, of course, A-list teams like Argentina, Italy and Germany (and Spain, Holland, England too).
Oh, for the record, I do not like Brazil’s president (I used to love him but he showed his true colors once he got power) but I still want him to suceed!
Ronaldinho was poor in the Olympics because Dunga’s team was poor. And he recovered his best performances in the last 8-10 months playing for Milan under Leonardo, so he should be on the squad! Specially because all the other players can’t play half of what he plays! On a bad day, Ronaldinho is like 18 times better than Josué on a good day! The only player that can rival Ronaldinho magic passes today is Ganso, who Dunga also hasn’t chosen!
Ronaldinho has played below his standard for most of his international career because of a simple fact. He was plagued by two horrible coachs, Parreira and Dunga. I don’t think you understand how bad these two coaches are. They are like the worst you can find. Do you think it is a coincidence that Ronaldinho AND Diego can not perform under Dunga? Well, maybe it is NOT a coincidence.
Yes, you are right, under Dunga Ronaldinho probably would continue to perform poorly, but there is always a chance of him creating magic like Romario did. If Brazil had a coach like Leonardo, Telê Santana, Dorival Junior etc Ronaldinho (and all the creative players like him and Diego) would just shine on the Seleção. That is pretty obvious.
I don’t care if Dunga has guts or if he is a warrior. All I care is that he despises Brazil best players. And that is sad, very sad. Brazil has gotten results under Dunga but these results were very sickening. And the chances are Brazil is gonna lose, because when it won under Dunga it was always on the verge of losing (and losing badly). I watched in disgust how Brazil performed in Copa America 2007 (that was the worst football I have ever seen Brazil play). I invite you to watch the semifinal Brazil x Uruguai in Copa America 2007. I invite you to watch Brazil x Uruguai on the Qualifying. And please watch all the games on Confederations Cup. Brazil struggled to beat South Africa, which is a D-list team! And it almost lost to USA, wich is a B-list team! It was horrible!
Because it was not Seleção Brasileira. It was Dunga’s team!
Lucaino,
I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Tele Santana had his chance, two of them in fact. He had arguably the best group of soccer players ever assembled and failed in 1982.
One question. Would you rather have Dorival Junior and lose in the semi finals with great soccer or have Dunga and win at all costs? I have watched the games you mention and I am not proud of how Brazil played in some of them. I do want them to play beautiful attacking soccer but I can’t stand when they lose!
Winning and losing is part of the game.
Tele’s attacking team lost in 1982 but it could have won, just like Barcelona attacking team won Champions League in 2009.
Parreira’s defensive team won in 1994 but it could have lost, just like many defensive teams lose everyday.
Like I said, winning and losing is part of the game. There is no garantee that you are gonna win. The best way to win is to play your best. If you are Brazi, playing your best in 2010 means using Ronaldinho, Ganso, Neymar and Robinho.
Using Elano, Felipe Melo etc means NOT using your best.
…
Hi Luciano
I generally agree with most of your comments and that it is a crying shame that Dunga is manager. Brazil has some amazing young players that have broken onto the scene yet arrogant Mr Dunga seems intent on ignoring them. Even Parrera for all his negativity included Ronaldo and Viola in his 1994 although they saw little game time. But looking at this squad no Neymar, Ganso, Hernanes, Andre and Eduardo! Pato has had a poor season with Milan so I can somewhat understand that decision but no Ronaldinho! He has been showing fine form for Milan this season. How can Elano or Baptista be ahead of him? And no Diego either?!
What is football coming to when artists like Ronaldinho and Diego to not play in the world cup and are kept out by benchwarmers like Baptista (I support Arsenal and trust me he is not very good!) and journeymen (Josue). I’d suggest a player like Sandro must be pretty disappointed to be kept out of the midfield by Josue and Gilberto and how about Denilson (Arsenal)? Kleberson??!! – it sounds like he is still as bad as he was when I saw him play for Manchester United in England – what is Dunga thinking with that selection?!
The defence is not as bad but I would have thought Alex would be worthy of consideration as he is carried the central of Chelseas defence at times this season. Gilberto is a bizarre choice at left back he is just not very good. Surely Maxwell or Marcelo are better options in that position?
I notice Douglas Costa hasn’t really been considered by anyone – he seems to have slipped under the radar after joining Donetsk but looked a fantastic talent.
Luciano – Arsenal recently purchased Wellington from Fluminense – he’s regarded as a top talent – do you know of him and rate him?
I’m not sure Douglas Costa is as highly thought of as people like to make out. Technically he looks an excellent player, but there must be something in the fact that neither Brazil U-20s or Gremio considered him a first choice starter…
Alex Teixeira is better in my opinion.
Brazil football team is the one of the best selections for FIFA worldcup 2010 they are capable of making dfirence they will posibly win but becareful the south americain,like chilli
if brazil need WC, then Ronaldhino shd be brought in
…
Dunga and Kaka are showing their tryue colors on this WC as predicted.
…
Keep watching, there is more to come.
…
Brazil are looking pretty good right now aren’t they Luciano…?
Hi David,
I don’t know nothing about Wellington from Fluminense.
that doesn’t mean he is bad.
***
POSTED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP HERE: http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/reaction-from-brazil-not-favorable.html
The “Dunga and Kaka Show” has just begun.
(…) Dunga and Kaka are going to show the world their true colors in the WC.
Not everyone can see it coming. But everyone will see it when it happens!
***
POSTED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP HERE: http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/reaction-from-brazil-not-favorable.html
Any team that doesn’t include RonalDinho is a team that needs to be changed. I can only imagine other selections coaches and players laughing their asses of and thanking Dunga, because every other team, coach and player would kill to have Ronaldinho.
Kaka (…) has his dream situation: he will be the only good player in the team and if they win the WC he will have the glory all to himself, he won’t have to share it with MUCH MORE BRILLIANT players like Ganso and Ronaldinho. The same logic works for Lucio and all the other creeps that can’t play shit.
(…) The other teams are so weak that most likely Brazil is going forward in the first games. I am really hoping Brazil faces Spain or Argentina and gets anihilated very very soon, so we can have a new coach and a new seleção.
***
POSTED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP HERE: http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/road-to-africa-2010/dunga-names-the-world-cup-squad.html#comments
This sad squad really makes it hard for Brazil to win.
It would be so much easier to win if Brazil had a half-decent coach that could make the A-list players (Ronaldinho, Ganso, Neymar, Diego, Robinho) play together as a team (i.e., strong defense, creative midfield and fast attacking).
Dunga was never able to do that.
(…) The Dunga’s midfield and the Dunga’s attack are full of B-list players that have almost none creativity and because of that Brazil will struggle to win.
When it should be so f***in easy!
And fun!
Dunga just managed to kill all the fun in Brazil football!
***
POSTED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP HERE: http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/road-to-africa-2010/dunga-names-the-world-cup-squad.html#comments
The Dunga tragedy has just begun.
I can only imagine the other teams (coaches, players etc) celebrating that Ronaldinho is not on Dunga’s Selecinha.
And they don’t even know how lucky they are that Ganso and Neymar are also not on the squad.
Dunga is crushing a nation here.
More: he is commiting a crime against football.
More crimes will come.
Just wait and see…
***
POSTED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP HERE: http://www.just-football.com/2010/05/23-for-2010-brazil-world-cup-squad-analysis/
Brazil is not one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
Despite having finished top of the group in South American qualifying and winning Confederations Cup last year, Dunga’s team can not be called Seleção Brasileira. Because it does not have the best brazilian players. The four best in-form brazilian players at the moment are Ronaldinho, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Neymar and Julio Cesar, and only the latter is likely to be on Dunga’s team.
So what do you get when the top in-form players from your country are not in the team? You have a bad coach. His name is Dunga. The world will get to know him better very soon.
(…)
Central defenders – who is going
1 – Lúcio – he is good, but he is getting old and slow. He can be fooled by fast attacking football. Don’t get fooled. Lúcio is NOT one of the key reasons why Internazionale reached the Champions League final. Inter managed to do that because it played with 10 men on the deffense field against Barcelona. It is easy to be a good defender when you have 8 other defenders to help you, including Eto and Milito. Wow, playing like that even I can be a good defender.
2 – Juan – he is good, but he got injured a lot in the last four years. His phisical condition needs to be checked.
Left-backs – who is going
1 – Michel Bastos – OK.
2 – Gilberto – old and boring. He was on fire in 2006 but Parreira chose the old Roberto Carlos instead. Now Gilberto is past his prime and he is not even playing as a left-back anymore.
Defensive midfielders – who is going
(THIS IS WHERE THE DUNGA TRAGEDY BEGINS)
1 – Gilberto Silva – he was good. But that was in 2002. That was 8 years ago. He is way way past his prime. He used to play in Arsenal and now he plays somewhere in Greece. I can’t even spell his name’s correctly. He is slow, he can’t destroy effectively and he REALLY can’t create anything nor give vertical passes. Dunga’s tragedy begins here.
2 – Felipe Melo – he is strong. and violent. he can destroy stuff. and that is just about it. Good enough if you are Italy and like Gatuso-type players. Good enough for Dunga’s team. Not good enough for Brazil. If you wanna be in Seleção Brasileira then you must be better than that. Way better. Very likely to get some red cards on the WC.
Attacking midfielders – who is going
(THIS IS WHERE DUNGA’S TRAGEDY GAINS MOMENTUM)
Kaká – is regarded as the star of the team. Yes, he can lead a good counter-attack or two. Yes, he can give a good pass or two. Yes, he is good enough for a bench-warmer. Not for the first team. Specially because he prefers to run, to score and to play for himself, not for the team. Yes, he is selfish.
Elano – B-list player. Tries much too hard.
Júlio Baptista – B-list player. Yes, same as above.
Ramires – should be used as deffensive midfielder.
(…)
Attackers – who is going
(LAST CHAPTER OF DUNGA’S TRAGEDY)
1 – Luís Fabiano – he is good, very good finisher, very strong.
2 – Robinho – he is playing like a kid again in Santos. But he needs his santos team-mates to create magic.
(…)
ABOUT DUNGA WINS:
COPA AMERICA 2007. Let’s analyze that. What are the good teams in South America? Brazil and Argentina. So for a team like Brazil all that you need to do in order to win Copa America is winning ONE game against Argentina. Because under normal conditions, you will just walk all over the other teams, right? Not so with Dunga. Under Dunga, Brazil played the worst football in ages and had a HARD TIME against C-list teams. It was sad and painful to watch. Brazil barely made past Uruguai in the semifinals (it was only on penalty kicks and with a helping hand from the referee). In the final, against the much better Argentina (that was playing masterful football under Riquelme) somehow Brazil lucked out with an early goal. And then Argentina had real bad luck and got desperate and Brazil won with counter-attacking. It could easily have gone the other way around. I believe that if *that Brazil* had played 10 times against *that Argentina*, Argentina would have won nine times and Brazil just that one. So, considering that, I can’t really consider Copa America 2007 as something that goes for Dunga. Actually is the other way around: what Brazil did in Copa America 2007 goes against Dunga, it shows that Dunga’s team is weak and plays bad football. They won DESPITE of that, probably because brazilians are so good that they can win even when they play bad football.
1st PLACE ON SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING. This is pretty similar to what happened in Copa America. What are the good teams in the South America Qualifying? Brazil and Argentina. So Brazil is supposed to walk all over the other teams, right? Not so under Dunga. Actually Brazil was terrible for like 80% of the whole thing and found some sort of strenght only in the last games. And Brazil has never played really convincing football. Never played like a real cohesive team. It may have deffended as a cohesive team but in the attack it still depends on the sparks of brilliance from Robinho, Luís Fabiano and Kaká. And that is not enough. That is poor. Brazil could do so much more! So, one more against Dunga here.
COPA DAS CONFEDERAÇÕES 2009. Same here about lack of real opposition. The only A-league here was Spain and Brazil never had to play against it. Is Dunga a lucky guy? All Brazil had to do was beating USA and it barely made it. Actually Brazil was losing until very near the end of that game. So, one more against Dunga here.
So is this Dunga’s record? I think it is a pretty bad one.
***
Thing is, Dunga can’t make a team work properly to save his life.
That will become pretty clear on the WC.
Its such a shame Luciano. What a waste of all that talent – we are unlikely to see Ronaldinho grace a world cup again. At least you are rid of that waste of space Dunga – good riddance.
Next world cup in Brazil lets hope we see return of the beautiful game.
Just to alert some of you here, some analysis on where Brazil went wrong, in my opinion:
http://www.just-football.com/2010/07/wherefore-art-thou-ronaldinho-no-plan-b-costs-brazil-dunga/
And also, a compelling podcast in which, along with special guest Bernardo Domingues – Brazilian sports journalist – we look at the future for Brazil, where it all went wrong in South Africa, contenders for the Brazil job and the players to step in (and out) ahead of 2014:
http://www.just-football.com/2010/07/world-cup-special-podcast-4-brazils-demise/
Hey David,
I still believe in Ronaldinho for 2014!
He will be 34! I think he can play as well as Zidane in 2006 or Maradona in 1994 (but without efedrina)!
Anyway, we are gonna have Ganso, so we are very good!
…