2010 World Cup: Brazil declare ‘they are ready’ after Tanzanian victory
Robinho is easily the star of the match against the Tanzanians when it boils down to judging performances from the Selecao stars. His two goals helped the five times World Champions Brazil defeat an enthusiastic and highly motivated Tanzanian team at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam. Kaka also scored one while substitute Ramirez pitched in with two goals to make matters worse for the African representation. But the Tanzanians deserve much appreciation as they took on a team that is about a 100 levels above them in international team rankings and in the process, they did show a good game.
The Brazilian coach Dunga went ahead with Plan A; compromising the starting line up. Michel Bastos, the winger from Lyon had sprained his ankle from a practice session but he recovered from it and was starring the starting line up. Julio Cesar though had to be replaced by Heurelho Gomes who was suffering from a back injury.
Though the Brazilian coach had admitted that his team won’t be up to the usual standards, the fight that they had to put against the Tanzanians surely tested their mettle. Tanzainian full back and skipper Shadrack Nsajigwa got everybody on their toes while tackling Maicon and the youthful Mrisho Ngassa impressed young and old as time progressed.
The centre-forward, who is just 21-years-old, has a deep insight and passion for the game. Ngassa paced around the right wing ready for to take up any available opportunity. He did well in the region; building pressure while irritating Lucio who had to make unorthodox clearings far too often. Eventually, when the opportunity came, Ngassa lost in front of the large frame of Gomes, his poor finishing being the reason. Brazil took advantage of that and produced the lead ten minutes later.
A pass from Kelvin Yondan was intercepted by Kaka and at that moment Robinho understood the plan; as he met the pass and finished well across goalkeeper Mohammed. After the goal, a small meeting took place discussing that Abdullahim Hamoud and Ngaso were too easily in the central midfield.
The Tanzanians were forcing a more technical play on the Selecao stars. Tanzania earned 5 corners before Brazil got its first one which shows their early ball possession in the match. Secondly, their passing ration wasn’t that bad either. In the 34th minute, the men in the canary yellow shirts got another goal when Batos comfortably passed the ball to Robinho who flawlessly headed it home, making it the 2nd goal for the Santos.
After the mid-game break, the Taifa stars seemed dazzled and exhausted. Just in the first five minutes, the guests could have scored 3 times. Robinho and Luis Fabiano came very close to scoring along with Kaka who missed it on Elano’s corner.
Still the Brazilians wouldn’t have to wait long for a cheer as substitute Ramirez accepted a good pass from the young Josue who launched past Mohammed to score another. The Selecao were now having a stroll in the park.
Kaka, Maicon, Fabiano and Robinho all pursued after scoring as it was clearly seen that the Tanzanians weren’t having the time of their lives. Ngaso on the other hand was apart from the group as he nearly scored. He dodged Gilberto with ease but Gomes put a fine end to the good low shot.
Kaka tried to score using his chest in the last 15 minutes of the match but a nice curling save on the line by Maicon denied the goal. But soon after that, the Taifa stars scored on a corner with an unmarked man heading it in to the back of the net. This actually happened to be the first goal conceded against Brazil since their 2-1defeat encountering Bolivia last year in October. The game continued to go Brazil’s way as Ramirez grabbed his second goal in the final minute, ending the match with a score line of 5-1.
Skipper Lucio was happy with the team’s efforts when he said, “We can avoid some risky plays when needed,” which also happened to be Dunga’s point of view. In reference to the match, he stated that the match was more in line to gain match practice. Dunga was happy after going through a match without any more injuries and Kaka performing steadily in the field for a full 90 minutes. With all the Brazilian preparation complete, they do seem ready to run in the race for the World Title.
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