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World Cup 2010 Teams – Brazil (review 1)

Currently ranked by FIFA as the second best team in the world, Brazil will be one of the main contenders in South Africa. Bursting with flair and footballing talent, the Brazilian squad looks strong. Their attacking options are almost limitless, while Dunga has helped to create a strong and organised defence.

Brazil’s inclusion in Group G, however, has put the pressure on the Seleção. North Korea shouldn’t pose a problem, but both Portugal and the Ivory Coast have the potential to upset the Brazilians.

Qualifying Campaign

Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign had its ups and downs but they managed to secure a top place finish by one point over both Chile and Paraguay. With 9 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses in 18 games, it was a solid if not spectacular run.

A distinctly average draw at home against Bolivia was met with disapproval from the Brazil faithful, while the return leg loss (albeit at altitude) came as quite a shock. However, Brazil qualified with an impressive 3-1 away win against Argentina, more than making up for other failures.

World Cup History

A World Cup would not be complete without a Brazilian presence. Brazil is the only team to have played in every World Cup, winning the competition five times (in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). Brazil was heavily criticized after the 2006 World Cup in Germany for their uninspiring performances. Ineffective formations and poor team selection resulted in a surprise quarter final exit.

The Coach

Dunga took charge of the Brazilian national team in July, 2006, after Carlos Alberto Parreira was dismissed. In his playing days, Dunga earned 91 caps for Brazil as a solid defensive midfielder. Despite having no past managerial experience, he has proved a popular and effective manager. Like England’s Fabio Capello, Dunga has little respect for superstar status: he picks the players who earn the right to put on the yellow shirt of Brazil.

The Players

The Brazilian squad is certainly not short on talent. Ronaldinho, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Adriano and Vagner Love provide an immense attacking threat. Kaká, meanwhile, can dominate in midfield with his creative and technical ability. Defensively, Brazil can rely upon experienced centre backs such as Lúcio and Alex, while quick attacking full backs like Rafinha and Daniel Alves can pose even more problems to the opposition.

Dunga’s greatest problem could be deciding which players to select. With such a vast array of talent to choose from, finding the right balance will be vital.

Group G

Brazil has been drawn in Group G alongside Portugal, North Korea and the Ivory Coast. The Brazilians are seen as favourites to win the group but they have some stiff competition in Portugal and the Ivory Coast. North Korea is unlikely to cause any upsets, making competition between the big three even tighter.

Portugal did not impress in qualification, only just managing to secure second place in Group One for a second chance to qualify. A win against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off round saved Portugal from an embarrassing campaign. Manager Carlos Queiros is still struggling to get Portugal playing well as a unit, but they certainly have potential. With players such as Pepe, Simao and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal could cause Brazil some serious problems.

The Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) is arguably the strongest African nation in the 2010 World Cup. They sailed through qualification but Group G will be a far greater test. However, both Brazil and Portugal will be wary of the Africans. Didier Drogba will be the main goal threat alongside Salomon Kalou, while Emmanuel Eboue, Didier Zokora and Gneri Toure Yaya will make for a strong midfield. Kolo Toure will take control of the defence, making the Ivory Coast a difficult team to break down.

Group Matches and Analysis

Brazil’s first game will be played against North Korea on June 15th. This should be an easy win for Brazil and a quick three points. Meanwhile, Portugal plays the Ivory Coast in what could be a decisive Group G match. If either team loses they will instantly be under huge pressure, while a draw would mean a win for Brazil against either team should see them through to the next round.

Brazil’s second group game against the Ivory Coast will be in intriguing encounter. Drogba will be dangerous but Brazil’s attack could be too much for the Africans to handle. If the game is played at a high tempo and space develops on the pitch then there could be a few goals scored.

Brazil’s final Group G match against Portugal will be shaped by previous results. If both teams need points then this game could be a classic. Again, an open game between these two teams could provide a lot of goalmouth action. Brazil should have enough talent to overcome Portugal, but there is not much to separate the two teams.

Group G will be tight, but if Brazil start well and continue to play at their best then they should secure, at the very least, a second place finish.

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