FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER 2010 - Brazil vs. Portugal Preview
When these two football giants meet today, a classic football adventure is to be expected. Brazil, being the most successful international team is sitting pretty with 6 points from their two matches after defeating Korea DPR 2-1 and Cote d’Ivoire 3-1. As a result, it’s sitting comfortably on the top of the table. Portugal had a shaky start to their campaign when they drew to the Elephants in a frustrating 0-0 draw. They however came back in a remarkable fashion, humiliating and demolishing Korea DPR 7-0 and cementing their position for the next round. They would however want to win the group and meet a lesser opponent in the round of 16.
Group G was known as the “Group of Death”, the toughest group of all. It was known as such, owing to the sheer talent and football heritage each of the teams held. Excluding the new comers Korea; Ivory Coast, Portugal and Brazil all are included in the top teams internationally, with Brazil being number one. Portugal, with the extremely talented Cristiano Ronaldo and company has also proved to be a lethal force in football. This match has all the makings of an instant classic, and fans have been waiting since 4 December 2009 to watch this match.
Given the importance of this match for both the teams, each will try to give their best. Portugal will be on fire following their extremely impressive win and form against Korea and would use their momentum, pace and skill to go at the Brazilians. Brazil, however, are not new to such a contest. Having won 12 of their 18 outings with Portugal, Brazil has the edge over the Portuguese. Brazil have perhaps the most confident team, and are yet to show any signs of fear, distress or nerves in their matches in South Africa 2010. They are strong in defence, lethal in attack and composed in the midfield. Currently, Brazil holds the number one spot in FIFA rankings, with Portugal claiming the third. This clearly shows the heavy duty battle that can be expected when these two teams collide today.
Brazil will be without Kaka, following his suspension in the last game. This is bad news for the Brazilians, as Kaka is a huge player to miss out. Elano, the player who scored 2 goals out of a total of 5, may also have to watch his team play from the side lines, following a calf strain he suffered in the match against the Ivory Coast team. Portugal may be without playmaker Deco, who described his injury as “so-so”, along with Ruben Amorim, who is also side-lined owing to an injury.
So what should each of these teams do in order to overcome the other? Well for Portugal, pace and dribbles have to be the main key. With their side having Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago, they should not have problem with pace and dribbles. They may well have to work overtime in defence to stop the creative and truly amazing attacking game play of the 5 time world champions. With Luis Fabiano, Robinho, and Silva enjoying top form, the forwards and the midfielders may need to aid their defensive counter parts to contain the Brazilian attack. They would want to keep the momentum going after the 7-0 thrashing of the Koreans. Brazil’s defence may only be disrupted by pace and timely runs by taking any opportunity that the Portuguese find during the run of play. They may need to keep Brazil on the back foot if they look to defend their 18-match-unbeaten streak.
Brazil, on the other hand, may want to control the pace of Ronaldo, who is always a threat. Having tasted his first goal, he would be hungry for more and attack the Brazilians with his quick feet and lethal finishing ability. He is a set piece specialist and Brazil would want to defend as much as they can. They have a very talented goal keeper and a very effective and untiring defence. Their defenders also like to get forward and create chances for their team, as well as taking some shots at goal. Their players are almost all-rounders with the ability to play at almost any positions. This is what makes them the most lethal team in South Africa 2010. Luis Fabiano found the net twice and would want to increase his goal tally, perhaps aiming for that golden boot on offer. Robiniho, Melo and Silva all like to get forward and have a crack at the goal, given even the slightest bit of time and space. This gives them the advantage as the Portuguese defence does have some minor weaknesses which can be easily exploited.
All in all, this is the match to watch. A fast paced, entertaining, gruelling, classy and remarkable contest is expected from these two powerhouses. Keepers will be tested quite a number of times in this match, and they would want to be at their best. Any sign of laziness will be exploited and they may well not be given the reaction time to try and save a shot. The defence would have to go at the players rather than forming a line. Each of the attackers in the two teams have the ability to score from far away distances, so they would want to be ready for almost anything.
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