FIFA World Cup: Brazil's chances of success in the quarter finals against Netherlands & going all the way to lift the trophy for the 6th time
Brazil is undoubtedly the most successful football nation in the World. Having held the trophy 5 times in their illustrious careers, Brazil would want to make it six. Anything less than a World Cup trophy is considered a failure by the Brazilians, and has always been the favourites. They are to face a tough opponent in Netherlands, who are one of the top sides in Europe. Going into this gruelling encounter, let’s have a look at Brazil’s chances:
Brazilian Heritage: Brazil is the undisputed champions of the World, having won the coveted title for a record 5 times. Perhaps the biggest legend of Football, Pele, was part of the team who won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup, and was the inspiration who led his team to grasp that title. After completing the hat-trick of titles, Brazil was allowed to permanently retain the Jules Rimet Trophy. For the nation where football is almost a religion, Brazil has never failed to impress whenever they play. They later won the new trophy in 1994 and then again in 2002. They are the only team to win the trophy in four different continents, and would love to hold another record of winning it in Africa. They are also the only champions who have unable to win the trophy on their home ground. Brazil also holds the record of never failing to qualify for any of the 19 World Cups that have been played so far.
Quarter Final Appearances: Apart from the five World Cup wins, Brazil has reached the quarter finals on previous eight occasions. Brazil lost the 1998 final to hosts France, as well as the disappointing final when they lost to Uruguay on home soil in 1950. Brazil have also been beaten in the semi finals on 3 occasions, in 1938, 1974 and 1978. They have been eliminated in the quarter finals stage in 1954, 1986 and more recently in 2006, always losing to a side who were the eventual finalists. It’s evident from this fact that Brazil has been the team to beat to whosoever wants to be the finalist.
Coach looking to make history: Dunga won the title for his team in 1994 and was the team captain. He would want to make history as being the first Brazilian, and second man in history to win the coveted trophy both as player and as a coach. Franz Beckenbaur is the only player to have done it currently, winning it for Germany in 1974 as a player and as a coach in 1990. In South Africa, he is looking to become the second person to both captain and coach a World Cup winner. He is however not alone. Diego Maradona rivals Dunga, having led his country to the title as a player.
Dunga’s success as coach: Dunga took over as the Brazilian coach, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreria following a drop out in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in the quarter finals. Dunga has led his team to win 42 out of 59 matches, and have lost only 5 times. Dunga led Brazil to win the 2007 Copa America and the 2009 Confederations Cup under his belt, and would love to add the World trophy to his tally. Dunga, in South Africa, has led Brazil to winning 4 games so far, scoring 8 goals. They just have one draw against Portugal. Having pitted against Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR, Brazil topped the so-called “Group of Death” and defeated Chile 3-0 to reach the quarter final.
Key Players: Dunga has completely changed the tactics vintage Brazil used to deploy. Having transformed its squad to a more defensive side, Dunga’s key players would be rock solid defenders Lucio, Maicon and Juan. Along with being strong at the back, the defenders like to move forward to attack, create opportunities as well as taking a shot or two at goal. The attacking players are also quite important. Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano, and Elano all enjoy a perfect synergy between them, and are truly World Class. Elano is set to miss the quarter final owing to an injury, and Dani Alves is set to replace the midfielder. They also have the best goal keeper in the form of Julio Cesar.
Potential Weaknesses: Brazil doesn’t look a side who has any weaknesses. They are the strongest team in the tournament, with claims that they are yet to reach their full potential. The Netherlands therefore will not be able to find many weaknesses in the Dunga’s outfit. The defenders like to go forward and Netherlands would want to exploit and utilize the counter attack tactics. Maicon and Lucio love going forward and the coach would want to take advantage.
Like always, Brazilians are strong favourites to quality for the semi finals, and many believe that Dunga and his team will lift the trophy for a record 6th time. Dunga has transformed the team into a well organised and solid outfit, and would look to exploit the Netherlands using the Brazilian’s vintage expansive attacking style, backed by a rock solid and anchoring defence line.
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