Brazil is being dubbed as the firm favorites to win the Fifa World Cup in South Africa this year. It does not come as a surprise, given their rich history in the competition. The country has won the coveted trophy 5 times. The Brazilian team is aiming to repeat their past performances once again. This time round, Brazil finished first in the qualifying rounds from South America. They also won the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year. If these results are a barometer of their recent form, many teams will be facing an uphill task to outdo the South American champions.
After looking at the 23 man squad announced by coach Dunga, one can not place any doubts on the capabilities of the men named by Brazil. However, the question is, will the Brazilian stars be able to perform as a team? Two-time player of the year, Ronaldinho and former Inter Milan striker Adriano have both been ignored from the Brazilian team.
There are three goalkeepers in the squad which include Julio Cesar, who plays in Italy with Champions Inter Milan. The goalie is considered to be one of the best in the business, and is almost certain to be the first choice man between the posts for Brazil.
The second Brazilian goalkeeper also plays in the Serie-A for AS Roma. The Brazilian fans don’t have much confidence in Doni. As a result, he has been sitting on the bench for a while for the national team. On the contrary, Gomes who plays for the Spurs in England is more than capable to stand his own when it comes to goalkeeping. However, it is unlikely for him to make the position his own in the Brazilian team.
Maicon and Daniel Alves are the two choices to be played as right backs. Both players have the ability to score goals and complement their strikers.
The responsibility of marshalling the defence is mainly on Lucio, the 31 year old has been an integral part of Inter Milan’s route to the final of champion’s league. Juan is expected to partner him in a central defence position. Luisao meanwhile is a more than handy replacement for either of the two in the centre. The tall defender is captaining Benfica in Portugal these days. Thiago Silva on the other hand has a lot to offer. He has a attacking game, but ironically is usually found wanting at times when challenged by quality attacks.
The left back positions have been secured by Michel Bastos and Gilberto, even though both play on a variety of positions in the team. However, both players have the perfect profile to be attacking fullbacks who are able to support the counter attacks.
In the midfield, the defensive side is in good hands with Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Josue, along with the surprise inclusion of Manchester United player Kleberson.
Meanwhile, the attack from the midfield will be depending on former world player of the year Kaka, who will be supported by Manchester City’s Elano. Another key person in the line up includes the promising Juliop Baptista, and Ramires. The creativity of Kaka combined with the brute force of Baptista may be the way to go. While Ronaldinho may still be a loss for the Brazilian team despite his poor form, the man do wonders on his day. One never knows when the genius can come up with a match winning moment.
The frontline will be playing in a match for the first time in the last four World Cups without Ronaldo, who seems to have hit rock bottom in recent times. Adriano has also fallen out of favour. As a result, Seville’s Luis Fabiano will be leading the lines alongside the troublesome Robinho. If Robinho puts his head in the right place, he has immense potential to go a long way for his team. On the other hand, Grafite and Nilmar meanwhile can hold their own during pressure matches of the tournament.
Dunga, who is a world cup winner himself, certainly knows what it takes to become a world champion. If his selections are anything to go by, he is not planning on resting on his laurels front the past. He is determined to put the Samba boys on top of the world.
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