Wherefore art thou Ronaldinho? No Plan B costs Brazil & Dunga
For 45 minutes it all looked so promising. Brazil were in complete control, 1-0 up against Holland, looking imperious and seemingly heading for a World Cup semi-final almost at a canter. Felipe Melo’s through ball cut through the Dutch defence like a knife through butter. Robinho pointed to the heavens. Everything was looking lovely for the Seleção.
But then came the collapse.
Julio Cesar’s uncharacteristic flap. Wesley Sneijder’s bald head. Felipe Melo’s complete short circuit of the brain. Suddenly Brazil were 2-1 down. Revert to Plan B.
Revert to Plan B? Yes, well… about that.
One of the biggest criticisms of Dunga’s 4-year reign in charge of Brazil (he resigned after the defeat to Holland) was the accusation that his side were way too conservative, way too defensive and that they lacked a Plan B – alternative styles and players to call upon in the event that a game needed changing.
This is something that was discussed extensively in a particularly interesting debate in the comments section of our Brazil World Cup squad analysis prior to the tournament in South Africa.
As one of our commenters, Luciano wrote:
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 (sic) 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!
As Luciano rightly points out, Brazil as a nation is almost unique in the amount of exciting attacking players it creates. In 2010 the pool of creative talent remains, even if the fruits of it were absent in South Africa.
To a tidal wave of domestic criticism, Dunga saw fit to exclude a number of attacking options from his squad for South Africa. There was no place for internationally recognised stars like Ronaldinho, Diego, Adriano and Alexandre Pato. Additionally, an up-and-coming generation of fine young potential stars were also overlooked.
Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Hernanes, Sandro, Carlos Eduardo, Douglas Costa and others were also passed up by Dunga, who preferred the likes of Josue, Kleberson and Gilberto Silva; players whose careers are not without merit or illustrious honours, but who lack the technical qualities needed to unlock miserly defences in tight games.
Ronaldinho, as two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and the most famous omission from Dunga’s squad, became the player embodiment of Dunga’s reluctance to trust in the wild card. The Milan forward’s absence caused a huge stir, but Dunga’s response was flippant:
“I guess it’s normal for Ronaldinho’s omission to cause controversy, because the players who are absent are always the best,” he said.
Blasé as it was, Dunga’s retort ignored an obvious point – Ronaldinho was, and is, one of Brazil’s best players. Though he has had his issues in the colours of the national shirt, Ronaldinho’s form drastically improved in 2009/2010 as he emerged as the top assist maker in Serie A. Would he not have been just the player to bring on when 2-1 down against Holland in a World Cup quarter final?
Dunga’s reserved nature
Dunga’s record when all is not rosy deserves closer scrutiny. In the coach’s 33 competitive fixtures prior to their World Cup elimination against Holland, Brazil had only ever been behind in a game 6 times:
- June 2007: Copa America vs Mexico. 2-0 down, Brazil lose 2-0.
- November 2007: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, vs Uruguay (h). 1-0 down, 1-1 at half time. Dunga brings on Josue for Ronaldinho. Brazil win 2-1.
- June 2008: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, vs Paraguay (a). 2-0 down after 49 minutes, Dunga takes off Mineiro and Diego for Julio Baptista and Adriano. No effect. Brazil lose 2-0.
- June 2009: Confederations Cup final 2009, vs USA. 2-0 down at half time. After 66 minutes Dunga brings on Elano and Dani Alves for Ramires and Andre Santos. Brazil win 3-2.
- June 2009: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, vs Paraguay (h). 1-0 down vs Paraguay after 25 minutes in Recife. No changes by Dunga, Brazil recover to win 2-1.
- October 2009: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying vs Bolivia (a). Brazil 2-0 down at half time but had already secured qualification. Despite 3 changes they lose 2-1.
Dunga’s win ratio from losing positions therefore stands at 50% – 3 in 6 games turned around, which isn’t a bad record per se. But even in the above examples, Dunga’s changes are largely like for like rather than radical attacking tactical switches. This perhaps hints at the recoveries being team orchestrated, rather than via astute coaching adjustments.
Against Holland, the inadequacy of attacking options available to the manager was desperately exposed once Brazil went 2-1 down after 68 minutes. Dunga’s only response was to a like-for-like striker substitution. Luis Fabiano for Nilmar on 77 minutes, 4 minutes after Brazil had gone down to 10 men. The response was weak, and highlighted not only Dunga’s own inherent pragmatism and inability to throw caution to the wind, but also a desperate dearth of attack-minded players on the bench capable of changing a game.
Brazil’s original plan was fine, putting Melo and Gilberto Silva on Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder with the aim of restricting the midfield (particularly inside right where Robben so loves to cut inside from the wing). But, once 2-1 down and faced with an entirely different challenge, Dunga’s Brazil could not respond.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho watched at home, the perfect wildcard that Brazil simply forgot to pack in their suitcase.
(photo credit: eneko123 on Flickr)
Brazil, Dunga, Ronaldinho, World Cup 2010Share This Post!
About Jonathan F
The boss of this here... Creator and Editor of Just-Football.com, world football analyst, watcher, freelancer and all-round enthusiast. French football analyst for Football Radar. Write for FourFourTwo, have also written for ITV, When Saturday Comes and others.
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I don’t care to speculate on specific omissions, but definitely agree that Dunga lacked a more attacking 4-4-2 alternative that would open up a game if Brazil was losing. Still, for all the criticisms, in 2006 the Parreira quarter of Adriano-Kaka-Ronaldo-Dinho lost for the opposite reason – the team was all flair and no substance, unable to recover balls or land tackles against the French.
And, of course, despite playing tall and defensive players, Brazil conceded a game winning goal on a setpiece for the 1000th time. I’m also not sure that Cesar isn’t given enough of the blame for his missed punch – everybody has turned on Melo, but you’d think a keeper could outjump his own defender just like an opposing player
You make some valid points Elliott. It draws to mind for me something I read somewhere recently (I think at the Run of Play) about the latest World Cup always being a continuation of the last one and so on, so where the 2006 team was too attacking, the reaction to and backlash against that led to the appointment of a more pragmatic coach in Dunga and, subsequently, the predicament Brazil find themselves in today with arguably a too defensively-minded side.
Consequently I guess, expect an all-out attacking coach for 2014 and Brazil to go out in the quarters to Italy having played a 2-3-5 formation without a single centre back!
I also agree with you on the point about Julio Cesar. For all Melo’s faults he did create an assist for the opening goal, and you’d have thought Cesar would have done better in dumping his teammate out of the way to claim that ball for Holland’s equaliser.
This Brazillian team i did not rate highly at all. There was something lacking with the team from the beginning. I watched their warm up match against Zimbabwe and i knew immidiately that they will not reach the finals of the World Cup. With the attacking players that Dunga chose, it’s obvious that National interest was not a priority rather myopic and narrow views was the order of the day. I was stunned about the ommission of Pato, he is a finisher and he plays in the top leaugue in the world, who on earth will leave him out?
Dunga belongs to the army with that rigid unwelcoming hairstyle. I am joyful the end came sooner rather than later for Dunga the General.
I agree with the variety of comments placed here. I think we are all embittered by the way Brazil crashed out to a team that was not nearly as good as the media have made it seem. However, let me mention here that this world cup has perhaps laid more criticism on the attacks of teams and not on the outstanding strides made in international soccer’s defense. But that not withstanding, I have a few observations of my own.
Brazil, in my opinion, needs to maintain this defense discipline they have learned from Dunga. It was a definite plus for their game, however, they need to add it on to their already well known and established tradition of ball-possession keeping, dribbling, string long mesmerizing attack displays as we have known them to have. The samba or flair is not gone, but it is restricted and was made to seem unpopular or irresponsible in Dunga’s squad. Here is my point; Brazil has won matches on two grounds… the soccer field and the psych of their opponents. Right from the start, Brazil played the kind of soccer that convinced opponents that it was only a matter of time before they were destroyed. This team however, never expressed its dominance.
it would have been wise to have a ronaldinho on the bench, just in case, and it would also have been nice to have Pato and marcelo as well. Another thing i noticed was that the midfield line of the brazilian team would line-up about 2 to 3 metres in front of the backline… this i found incredibly hard to digest from brazil and it was the first time i had ever seen it. I dont think Brazil could have won this world, and Dunga himself never expected it to happen.
I agree with everything that has been said about Dunga its total madness to go to a World Cup without any flair players and of course Ronaldinho is the that player and Kaka most defintely is not
What a shame that Dunga has ruined the world cup for Brazil. He had the talent at his disposal to win the competition but declined to take the most talented players with him to Africa. Players of such high quality such as Ronaldinho, Ganso, Diego, Pato and Neymar are just some examples of the talent left behind by Dunga.
Going forward there are definitely positives for Brazil.
Firstly removing Dunga from the set up is great – the anti-football coach has no place coaching Brazil and betrays the very tradition of this great footballing nation. In modern day football teams need to be organised and disciplined but that is not enough. There is still a place for flair and creativity in todays game but not for Dunga so good riddance to him and his coaching theories.
Defensively (aside from the dramatic defensive lapses in concentration against the Dutch) Brazil do look very strong and organised. The team can take this forward into the future. But why they also need is to supplement this solid defense with some attacking flair, a quality that was lacking from them in South Africa.
Going forward I have put down my thoughts on a squad that I feel not only provides Brazil with a strong base but also the flair and creativity to put them back to where they belong at the top of World Football.
Goalkeepers
Julio Cesar – Still the best option and arguably the best goalkeeper in world football at present.
Gomes – A decent number two goalkeeper.
Victor – I would have chosen Bruno but his career (and life?) is probably over so I think Victor is probably the next best option.
Rightbacks
Dani Alves – Maicon is superb but I would choose Dani Alves as first choice simply because he is such a threat going forward for Brazil.
Maicon – An amazing back-up to Alves!
Left Backs
Marcelo – He plays for Real Madrid and couldn’t get in the world cup squad ahead of Gilberto?! Disgraceful decision by Dunga.
Filipe Luís Kasmirski – he would have had a chance of making it to South Africa bt picked up a nasty injury in January. Fantastic fullback who can also play right back.
Centre Backs
David Luiz – Fantastic centre back at Benfica and very unlucky to make the final cut for South Africa.
Thiago Silva – Needs to make the breakthrough at Milan but very talented.
Breno – Highly rated prospect at Bayern Munich.
Dodo – top prospect currently at Corinthians but will be joining Man Utd in the near future. Has been likened to both Lucio and Rio Ferdinand.
Defensive Midfielders
Ramires – this guy can play the gilberto and melo role but can offer so much more. He is a box-to-box player who can pass. Should be first choice.
Hernanes – this guy should have been on the plane to South Africa. He has great touch, can dictate a game and has a powerful shot. Dunga preferred Kleberson and Josue…
Anderson – A beast of a player when in full flow. His career is in some doubt at Man Utd after an alleged fall out with the manager but is fantastic when fit and on form.
Melo – Although I’m not his greatest fan he has the advantage of playing at left centre and I wanted balance. Not much between him and Sandro though…
Attacking Midfielders
Some many possibles here – you can ditch Elano and Baptista for sure.
Ganso – This guy is the future of Brazilian football – if you get a chance check out a Santos match – you would pay simply to watch this guy in action.
Ronaldinho – The legend. Still far to be good to be left out. Maybe Douglas Costa will take his place in the long term but still the main main in my opinion.
Renan Oliveira – I like this guy especially as I want to see Brazil play with more flamboyance. This is the guy – very technically gifted and reminds me of Riquelme relying more on skill rather than speed to beat opponents.
Philippe Coutinho – This guy is reckoned to be the next Kaka and while I wouldn’t disregard the Real Madrid player he has been out of form and needs a break for the moment. Inter have already snapped up this kid and he looks a top talent.
Attackers
Neymar – An amazing talent. Robinho says this guy is better than him and is the best striker he has played with.
Luis Fabiano – Need a big stiker and the best option for the time being. Has a great goalscoring record but may be only filling a place in the squad possibly for Pato if he can fulfill his potential.
Robinho – Always performs so much better for Brazil than his club teams but a fantastic player.
Detinho – I like this kid he’s quite similar to Robinho and looks a fantastic prospect. I would select him just ahead of Marquinhos.
Hopefully this squad provides both the necessary defensive and attacking capabilities to ensure Brazil both entertain and be successful going forward in the future.
This is an excellent post Dave, thanks. One player who instantly stands out for his omission to my mind is Alex Teixeira, and to a lesser extent Giuliano, two of the stars of Brazil’s 2009 U-20 World Cup team.
Any particular reason for not including them? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts, particularly as you mention Douglas Costa who couldn’t get into that U-20 team.
Thank you Jonathan.
No reason for not including either Alex or Giuliano – there was only 23 places and I could easily have chosen three squads! I see Alex as a right sided attacking midfielder and I prefer Countinho in that position. Giuliano is a fantastic prospect but no room unfortunately!
But there are so many young prospects – I’m very interested to see how Wellington Silva gets on when joins Arsenal from Fluminese. Very quick and direct and could be the eventual replacement for Theo Walcott. What about the young superstar Kerrilson? He hasn’t done it in Europe but now back in Brazil at Santos hopefully he will recover his form and form an amazing partnership with Neymar and Ganso.
What about the young prodigy Lulinha? If we are talking about success as a youngster this guy had it all, although whether he will make it now has to be debatable.
I believe Douglas Costa is a very talented prospect. Its never easy for young Brazilian players everyone expects great things and they are all talked up to be the next Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. Most do end up being very good, if not great players. Costa is still only 19 and has plenty of time to become one of the best players. I know he didn’t get in the U-20 team but then take the senior team as proof that the best players don’t always play in the first eleven. I actually thought his performances were quite good in the tournament and he was only given one start so it was difficult for him to impress.
Overall I think it just shows the wealth of talent that Brazil has at its disposal and brings into even more focus their disappointing performance in the World Cup. Dunga has alot to answer for leaving behind so much talent in Brazil.
I think that it was a crying shame for football that Brazil did not make the World Cup Final. When you look at the Holland team who beat Brazil in the quarter finals you have to really wonder how they managed to do this. I was confident that Brazil would have beaten this mediocre Dutch side who eventually got exposed in the final against Spain. To say the least this was a very average Holland side and not really sure i understood the hype that surrounded Wesley Sneider who i happen to think is a very average player. As we all know from the final he hardly touched the ball. I also happen to think if Brazil had got to the final they would have beaten Spain who I think are a good side, but they have flaws in their game.
I agree with all the comments about the players that Dunga left back in Brazil such as Neymar, Ganso and others to mention a few. However i still cant get over the fact that he never chose Ronaldinho after the season he had with Milan. The problem was that when games get tight you need world class players that can break down defences with one moment of magic – the Brazil team was devoid of such a player and that was the problem in a number of games Brazil playes including the Portugal and Holland game. I hope that the next manager picks the flair and skillful players that have made Brazillian football famous and respected. That said I still believe that the side that went out to Holland should have still gone through after going 1-0 up at half time. Dunga has alot to answer for however it was only a few mistakes that cost him is job and that was ensuring that the real flair players they had at their disposal went to the final. Defensively the team was sound until the Holland game and the midfield looked fairly comfortable at times. The problem is you cant turn back history and history will show that Spain and not Brazil won the 2010 World Cup. My thoughts are that Brazil misses a golden opportunity to easily win a 6th World Cup.
I’d be interested to hear what flaws you think Spain have in their game Byron…?
I think that defensively they are not really that strong Jonathan and i also saw that teams such as a Paraguay and even Switzerland exposed their defensive frailities – going forward no problems they are excellent and the midfield is also very good – however it would be fool hardy to suggest they dont have any flaws. Not sure that the goalkeeper is too hot either if you put him under pressure!
Erm…just thought I should be the annoying one to mention that ‘weherefore’ means ‘why’, and not ‘where’. So when Juliet says “wherefore are thou Romeo”, she means “why are you Romeo, and not just some other dude who my family doesn’t hate”. See?!
Cheers.