Brazil and football

Brazil 3x0

2010-06-03T10:06:00.001+01:00

Brazil took on Zimbabwe as their first of two World Cup teasers before the big time. The match was pretty tough, as the African team didn't ease up on fouls and played a very physical game.

GK Julio Cesar even left the match injured, but sources close to him say there isn't a problem and that he'll surely line up for Brazil in about 2 weeks' time for the debut of the world's biggest football team ever.

Goals were scored by Michel Bastos, Elano and Robinho. Bastos' scorcher was awesome, as was the play leading up to Elano's goals - a typical fast-paced, skill rich brazilian passing play.

Critics in Europe have said the team disappointed, but that's more than likely because they're either jealous and/or scared of the awesome chances the yellow jersey has of adding a sixth star to its constellation.

Vai Brasil !! The goals:

Maicon to decide future shortly after World Cup

2010-06-02T10:45:00.000+01:00

Brazil and Inter Milan's fullback Maicon was one of the most prominent players of this first half of 2010. Having won 3 trophies in a year with the club, strong rumors point his future toward Real Madrid, especially now that former Inter coach Mourinho has joined the club. Manchester City is also interested, and is willing to open up the bank for the player.

He'll more than likely join Madrid. Not only will Man City have to pay a lot to compensate their lack of a winning culture and any worldwide expression whatsoever, living in dull and cold Manchester must be a real pain in the a** too. All bets are on Madrid.

Brazil 2014 logo announced

2010-06-02T10:10:00.000+01:00

The Brazil 2014 World Cup has announced its original logo. Here it is:

Brazil plays Zimbabwe today

2010-06-02T10:08:00.000+01:00

Brazil has chartered a flight and arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, last night. About 500 fans were at the airport waiting area making noise and screaming for Robinho and Kaka. But, to no avail - as is common with Dunga, the team got on a bus straight off the airplane, and left the airport headed to their hotel without passing through the airport lounge.

The country has a history of playing weak, punching-bag opponents before the World Cup. Some say it's used to give the team some morale, others claim that such smaller national teams are more than willing to accept "orders" not to play a physical game, but just be mere participants.

Regardless, even though Brazil will surely preserve themselves for the big-time, a large score is expected.

Ball blues

2010-06-01T23:39:00.001+01:00

The new Adidas football to be used in South Africa, named "jabulani", has stirred up some substantial controversy. The first to condemn the ball was Brazil GK Julio Cesar, stating it was horrible, the type you buy at a supermarket. Spain's GK Casillas followed suit, stating the ball was a disgrace.

Apparently, the jabulani can switch direction very easily, amplifying curve and spin a player places on a ball. So, obviously, goalkeepers would say this.

But Luis Fabiano and Robinho have also criticized it; the latter saying he "felt like Roberto Carlos" given the ease with which the ball dramatically changes direction.

Even FIFA secretary Jerome has taken part in the controversy, stating that it was all much ado about nothing, and asked if it was Brazil who were complaining about the ball. When reporters nodded positively, he remarked "I want to see they complain if they win the World Cup." He's got a point.

Surprises, good and bad, are likely.

Adriano set to sign with Roma

2010-05-28T18:08:00.000+01:00

Adriano and Flamengo confirmed that he is leaving the club and that he'll join AS Roma in the next 30 days.

He has had a mixed spell at Flamengo. Initially arriving as the almight Emperor and promising titles, the player's disciplinary problems showed through quickly. He missed 14 sessions of training alone in 2010. What also didn't help was Flamengo's elimination from the Libertadores.

Let's hope he finds his top form in Rome. He'll have to stop drinking (as he does regularly) and work his way back into the brazilian national team. He surely has the technical and physical capabilities to be in top form again.

Brazil arrives in South Africa

2010-05-27T14:05:00.003+01:00

Brazil is the second country to arrive in South Africa. After visiting Brazilian President Lula in Brasilia, the custom-made chartered TAM aircraft left for Johannesburg. The airplane had fans' "good luck" wishes written on it. Great marketing initiative from TAM, well done guys.

TAM also prepared a video, which was shown during the flight to all the players, with real fans wishing them good luck and "asking" for the World Cup to be brought back home. Another good idea. Here it is, in first hand:

The brazilian delegation was received by World Cup Organizing Comittee members, who commented Brazil looked very concentrated, and that Dunga's only words were "We are ready."

We sure hope so.

Lula says goodbye to Brazil, off to South Africa

2010-05-26T20:42:00.001+01:00

The brazilian national team and it's complete delegation visited Lula in Brazil's capital, Brasilia. The president, an outpoken Corinthians fan, offered the Palacio da Alvorada (official residency) as the venue. CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) President Ricardo Teixeira was working on home turf, given his political and mafiosi-style antics. Corinthians President Sanchez will the the chief of the brazilian delegation.

Good luck.

FIFA approves all 12 venues ahead of Brazil 2014

2010-05-26T15:47:00.001+01:00

Brazil's Minister of Sport, Orlando Silva, has stated that FIFA has approved all of Brazil's 12 venues for the 2014 World Cup to be held in the country. FIFA has now clearly set out what must be done in each of the venues, whereas previously such details were not made clear and public.

Silva admitted that different host cities have had very different levels of progress in this first half of 2010 in terms of the infrastructure required to host their respective games, but is "certain" that progress will speed up and consolidate in the second half of the year.

With the 2010 World Cup, followed by Presidential elections in Brazil, this sounds like complete bull, but let's wait and see. The world, that is.

Brazil's final video in the country before heading off

2010-05-26T15:17:00.001+01:00

In Portuguese, but you get the idea. A nice gesture of giving special attention to kids with special needs.

Go Brazil !!

Brazil to leave Curitiba for South Africa today

2010-05-26T15:15:00.000+01:00

The brazilian national team has spent the past week at CT Caju, home of Atletico-PR's training ground in the southern city of Curitiba, Brazil. Contrary to the ridiculous circus that coach Parreira bought into in 2006, Dunga's pragmatic and no-frills approach has shown through already. Most practice sessions have been closed to both press and the public. No WAGs are allowed in the compound, and parties/festivities are limited by common sense. Well done, Dunga.

Fans are distraught though, obviously. Most fans who show up at the compound are hobos with little to do with their time, no jobs, etc. so they are easily upset. Chants of "Argentina, Argentina!!" have been heard, as well as "Dunga, vai se foder, o Brasil nao precisa de voce", meaning "Dunga, f*** off, Brazil doesn't need you." Senseless protests by brainless, jobless fans.

The last day of training in Brazil saw Kaka finally train with the remainder of the squad. An open training, to the joy of all those who are loitering around the camp. The player is in the final stages of recovery from an injury sustained in Spain with Real Madrid. Luis Fabiano also had his "debut" in Brazil's first open training. Some images below, in Portuguese though:

Brazil will stop by Brazil's capital first, Brasilia, for a flash meeting with President Lula. Not sure why, but it's probably taking place as I write. The squad will then head to South Africa.

Bon voyage! Let's kick some ass in South Africa boys.

Thanks, Internazionale

2010-05-25T20:54:00.000+01:00

Italy's Inter Milan has won the triple crown this year, a brilliant feat for the team's players, as well as their arrogant, brilliant and very competent coach, Jose Mourinho. Brazilian football fans must be happy and proud, after all, brazilians Julio Cesar, Lucio, Maicon and Thiago Motta play for the squad.

What about Adriano? How much of a dumb ass is he? Not only did he leave Inter via the back door, he lost a great chance to be a multi champion this season. Not only that, but he went to pathetic Flamengo, where he has just been disqualified from the Libertadores.

Let's thank Mourinho and Inter than, as Brazil's South Africa defense play together, regularly, and have been in sync like no other this season. To add to the dispair of others, they've won everything they played this year! Cases where national team defenders play together at a club level are very rare... so look forward to a pretty tight brazilian defensive system next month in South Africa.

Brasileirão update

2010-05-25T20:39:00.000+01:00

Brazil's national championship had it's third matchday last weekend and goals galore. Some teams, notably Botafogo, Palmeiras and Corinthians, maintained their good form and beat their rivals again. Corinthians especially, who now have 3 wins in 3 games, and lead the competition. Sao Paulo found their first win, and against an important rival, Internacional, who they'll face in the Libertadores shortly after the World Cup.

Here are this last weekend's results:

Saturday, May 22nd

Botafogo
3X0
Goiás
16h00
Engenhão

Palmeiras

4X2

Grêmio

18h30
Palestra Itália

Atlético-GO

1X2

Santos

18h30
Serra Dourada

Sunday, May 23rd

Ceará
1X0
Vitória
16h00
Castelão

3X1

16h00
Mineirão

0X2

16h00
Beira Rio

1X0

16h00
Pacaembu

3X1

18h30
Maracanã

2X2

18h30
Brinco de Ouro

2X0

18h30
Ressacad

	Form	H2H
1	Corinthians	3	3	0	0	5	2	+3	9	W W W
2	Avaí	3	2	1	0	10	3	+7	7	W D W
3	Botafogo	3	2	1	0	8	4	+4	7	W W D
4	Palmeiras	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	7	W D W
5	Ceará	3	2	1	0	3	1	+2	7	W D W
6	Atlético Mineiro	3	2	0	1	5	6	-1	6	W L W
7	Flamengo	3	1	2	0	5	3	+2	5	W D D
8	Cruzeiro	3	1	2	0	6	5	+1	5	D D W
9	Santos	3	1	2	0	6	5	+1	5	W D D
10	Guarani	3	1	2	0	5	4	+1	5	D D W
11	São Paulo	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	4	W L D
12	Fluminense	3	1	0	2	1	2	-1	3	L W L
13	Internacional	3	1	0	2	4	6	-2	3	L W L
14	Grêmio Prudente	3	1	0	2	6	9	-3	3	L W L
15	Atlético Goianiense	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1	L L D
16	Vitória	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1	L D L
17	Atlético Paranaense	3	0	1	2	4	7	-3	1	L D L
18	Grêmio	3	0	1	2	3	6	-3	1	L L D
19	Vasco da Gama	3	0	1	2	1	4	-3	1	L D L
20	Goiás	3	0	0	3	2	7	-5	0	L L L

And the dynamic Standings:

A break for the Libertadores

2010-05-25T20:18:00.000+01:00

South America's biggest international club competition will now break for the World Cup. The brazilians clubs are doing ok, not great. Corinthians, Flamengo, and now Cruzeiro are out, after another 2x0 defeat last week to Libertadores regulars Sao Paulo. The Paulistas beat Cruzeiro by the same scoreline as in the first game, 2x0, with goals from Dagoberto and Hernanes, once again. The club will now matchup against Internacional, the rivals that eliminated them in 2006.

Internacional actually lost to argentine Estudiantes (of prolific midfielder Veron) by 2x1. The Gauchos battled it out until the very end, when they managed to score a goal to keep themselves alive.

Flamengo, on the other hand, managed to win their game against Universidad de Chile, in Santiago, by a score of 2x1. But the dreadful "away goal" rule kicked in once again, and now Flamengo (who previously benefited from the rule by eliminating Corinthians) saw it's hopes go bye-bye in Chile. Deservedly so, as the club is in shambles politically as well as organization wise.

The semi-finals are thus as follows:

28/07 - Internacional x São Paulo
28/07 - Chivas x Universidad de Chile
04/08 - São Paulo x Internacional
04/08 - Universidad de Chile x Chivas

C. Ronaldo versus Julio Cesar

2010-05-19T23:19:00.000+01:00

A taste of things to come... more good marketing from child-labor exploiters Nike.

Chelsea changes

2010-05-19T23:11:00.001+01:00

The transfer rumors about brazilian footballers continue to pile on. Brazilian (and portuguese, apparently) attacking midfielder Deco is more than likely on his way out after a dismal season with the club. Dismal for him, as Chelsea managed to win 2 trophies basically without him. Rio's Fluminense looks to be his most likely destination. Good luck Deco, you'll need it (and a lot of patience) to face up to the miserable conditions of the Carioca football.

On the other hand, Pato and Thiago Silva have been speculated recently. Yesterday, Kaka's name came up, as the player has failed to convince in Real Madrid in his first season. The transfer fee looks to be roaming around €46, so it's pretty substantial. Realistic? Highly unlikely, but it's out there...

Kaka and Luis Fabiano are back home

2010-05-19T23:04:00.000+01:00

La Liga and Brazil superstars Kaka and Luis Fabiano are back home in the city of Sao Paulo. They're both far from their top form, and will spend the week in Sao Paulo's (as in the football club) REFFIS rehabilitation center to try to get rid of injuries that have haunted them throughout the season.

Luis Fabiano didn't even take place in Sevilla's important Copa del Rey final tonight (and apparently he wasn't missed, as Sevilla were crowned champions by beating Atletico Madrid by 2x0. Fast recovery guys - you're vital to Brazil in South Africa.

Brazilian strikers headed back to Europe

2010-05-19T22:57:00.000+01:00

The brazilian press have speculated on a few transfers that should take place between now and the end of the World Cup in South Africa. Flamengo's lethal (and alcohol abusing) attack may fall apart as rumor has it that CSKA Moscow will not extend their loan of Vanger Love to Flamengo, and that he has been "forced" to return to sunny and warm Moscow soon. Likewise, a few clubs have shown interest in Adriano, notably Roma.

Robinho has also been involved in rumors. Apparently, AC Milan have him as number 1 on their summer wish list. Having failed miserably in both Spain and England, Italy may be the footballer's destination. An attack alongside Ronaldinho may very well be needed should AC Milan want to face up to solid archrivals Inter Milan in the coming season. Manchester City, Robinho's club, is apparently willing to lose 50% on their investment and accept a transfer fee of €20 million, having paid double that for the brazilian to head up to northern England.

Reflections on Dunga's list

2010-05-17T23:19:00.001+01:00

I've been asked by several of the blog's readers to comment on Dunga's list for South Africa. Well, here goes.

First, let's discuss those who didn't make it. Adriano, more concerned with partying in Brazil's favelas and booze, deserved to be sidelined and will now be remembered as the only idiot who ruled himself out of the world's largest football party.

Ronaldinho Gaucho brings mixed feelings; although he has a delightful history playing for Brazil, his recent form hasn't convinced Dunga. Not only that, but his excessive partying antics and samba playing in 2006 didn't go down too well after Brazil's ridiculous defeat to France in Germany '06. Part of the "reserve 7", but will likely watch the Cup with a few hookers and booze in his Milanese pad.

As for spoiled brats Ganso and Neymar, from Santos... well, from a footballing perspective only, they certainly deserved to go. But arrogance and lack of experience had their toll. So although Ganso is in the "reserve 7", he won't make it, as Ronaldinho is surely ahead in line here.

Forwards:
Robinho (Santos) - One of Dunga's knights. Robinho hasn't displayed consistent good football since leaving Santos, but had quietly done the job for Brazil under Dunga. The player will nor make or break his career in South Africa, so expect him to at least run and serve up Luis Fabiano some quality passes.

Luís Fabiano (Sevilla) - A top 5 striker today, Fabiano can score from all sorts of places and angles. Hot headed and straight to the point, Fabiano has everything to make his first World Cup a memorable one for all those who like (and dislike) Brazilian football.

Nilmar (Villarreal) - Very fast and so skilled he doesn't even need to keep his eyes on the ball. Certainly Dunga's first choice in the bench for an attacking player. Fantastic goal record.

Grafite (Wolfsburg) - The biggest surprise of all. A decent season last year in Germany gave him this spot, which had Adriano written all over it. Grafite is an average player, with a good kick, but that's about it. Honestly doesn't deserve to be here, but now that he is, best of luck.

Attacking midfielders:
Ramires (Benfica) - solid midfielder who can both attack and defend in the midfield. Far from being a star, Ramires may even figure in the starting 11.

Elano (Galatasaray) - some brilliant display in Manchester City meant Elano's name was certain for the list. Tactically perfect, Elano can score scorchers from way out without forgetting defensive responsibilities.

Kaká (Real Madrid) - in top form, the world's best midfilder by a long shot. The question is whether or not he will be match fit for the Cup. Recent losses in the UEFA Champions League, as well as La Liga, will hopefully make him hungry for glory.

Júlio Baptista (Roma) - strong build, great kick, good character. Baptista has been faithful to Dunga and has been rewarded. Good ball possession skills.

Defensive midfielders:
Felipe Melo (Juventus) - nobody is really sure why Dunga like Melo so much as he is a very limited player. Melo can kick some ass in midfield and occasionally pass the ball with purpose, but there are plenty of better midfielders in Brazil that should be here instead.

Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos) - came outta nowhere in Scolari's 2002 list and really hasn't lost his place yet. A quiet leader, Silva will own the midfield and voice his vast experience at both club and national team level. The heart of Brazil's defensive system.

Josué (Wolfsburg) - a small but very agile and persistent chaser, Josue has gained discipline in Germany and has great game pace. Definitely bench.

Kleberson (Flamengo) - like Silva, came outta nowhere in 2002 and has been on and off Brazil's roster. A good player, but will likely be benched.

Defenders:
Juan (Roma) - vastly experienced, Juan has dozens of caps for Brazil. A household name under Scolari, Parreira and Dunga, Juan is a leader and looked upon in positive light by many. Very likely to be in starting 11.

Lúcio (Inter Milan) - a real monster as he has shown both for Brazil as well as Inter Milan (more recently). Lucio has great character, is a hardworker and deserves to captain Brazil. Often adventures into midfield and is highly technical for a player of his position and stature.

Luisão (Benfica) - very solid defender, has been in Dunga's list for quite some time. Has acquired european experience for Benfica and is used to the pressure. Bench likely as will yield to more experienced Juan.

Thiago Silva (Milan) - a solid defender, albeit young and still inexperienced for the pressures of a World Cup. Promising future and a very likely to take center stage in 2014.

Fullbacks:
Maicon (Inter Milan) - a monster in attack, pretty good defending too. Maicon has great presence and can be relied on for goals and great assists. Will hopefully have a memorable WC.

Daniel Alves (Barcelona) - already a legend in Barcelona, Dani Alves is unlucky enough to have someone like Maicon ahead of him in line, as he easily has enough quality to make it to the squad. Will likely sit out then.

Gilberto (Cruzeiro) - reliable and regularly played under Dunga, Gilberto's name was almost a certainty. A good choice, but pity Dani Alves isn't a left-back...

Michel Bastos (Lyon) - powerful kick and a good defensive attitude. Bastos can also support the attack and he is quite technical.

Goalkeepers:
Julio Cesar (Inter Milan) - probably the world's top goalkeeper currently, Julio Cesar's miraculous saves and defensive leadership have made him a household name too. Nobody comes close to him today so this spot is well deserved.

Gomes (Tottenham) - ups and downs at White Heart Lane has seen Gomes been questioned by many, but experience and a serene attitude have favored him to make it to the list. Dunga's 2nd choice.

Doni (Roma) - a surprise, Dunga's 3rd choice has seen good day in Roma, and will more likely than not be a mere spectator in South Africa.

That's it boys and girls, agree? Looking forward to a great summer and World Cup!

		Total								Form
#	Team	MP	W	D	L	F	A	D	P	Last 5 matches
1	Corinthians	3	3	0	0	5	2	+3	9	W W W
2	Avaí	3	2	1	0	10	3	+7	7	W D W
3	Botafogo	3	2	1	0	8	4	+4	7	W W D
4	Palmeiras	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	7	W D W
5	Ceará	3	2	1	0	3	1	+2	7	W D W
6	Atlético Mineiro	3	2	0	1	5	6	-1	6	W L W
7	Flamengo	3	1	2	0	5	3	+2	5	W D D
8	Cruzeiro	3	1	2	0	6	5	+1	5	D D W
9	Santos	3	1	2	0	6	5	+1	5	W D D
10	Guarani	3	1	2	0	5	4	+1	5	D D W
11	São Paulo	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	4	W L D
12	Fluminense	3	1	0	2	1	2	-1	3	L W L
13	Internacional	3	1	0	2	4	6	-2	3	L W L
14	Grêmio Prudente	3	1	0	2	6	9	-3	3	L W L
15	Atlético Goianiense	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1	L L D
16	Vitória	3	0	1	2	1	3	-2	1	L D L
17	Atlético Paranaense	3	0	1	2	4	7	-3	1	L D L
18	Grêmio	3	0	1	2	3	6	-3	1	L L D
19	Vasco da Gama	3	0	1	2	1	4	-3	1	L D L
20	Goiás	3	0	0	3	2	7	-5	0	L L L