With their extraordinary victory over arch-rivals Argentina in Rosario on Saturday, Brazil became the first South American nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. The Selecao came into the contest as the overwhelming favourites and once again proved superior to their arch-rivals.
The win extended Brazil's winning streak to 10 matches and their unbeaten to 18. It also meant they inflicted a first home defeat upon Argentina in 34 matches, which was only their second loss in 50 World Cup qualifying matches.
It was a perfect team effort. Brazil looked extremely solid in all sectors of the field, all the way from defence to the attack. Julio Cesar was secure in goal, captain Lucio was a rock at the back, Real Madrid superstar Kaka pulled the strings in the midfield, setting up the third goal, as well as playing a part in the second. Gilberto Silva made several key interceptions behind him. But the star of the show was without any doubt Luis Fabiano. The Sevilla man was as prolific as ever, scoring twice to lead the five-time world champions to a comfortable victory.
The Selecao may have secured World Cup qualification, but it wasn't always so straight forward, as their campaign didn't get off to a flying start. A defeat to Paraguay and goalless draws with Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia led to wide criticism and the press and fans alike wanted Dunga's head. But the coach insisted that all he needed was some more time for his team to begin to play the kind of football that was expected of them.
Dunga was certainly right. Because as the matches went by Brazil's game clearly improved and a 4-0 thrashing of Uruguay in Montevideo in June demonstrated that they had reached top form. A few days after the win they came from behind to defeat Paraguay in a tense encounter in Recife.
Although their form in the South American qualifiers was very good, the time came to show the entire world what they were capable of in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Egypt, the Selecao thrashed world champions Italy 3-0 and beat the United States by the same score in the group stage. After edging hosts South Africa in the semi-finals, Brazil came from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in the final. Such a hard-worked victory demonstrated that they were and are a team that are capable of achieving anything.
With a record third Confederations Cup title triumph Brazil jumped into first place of the FIFA World Rankings, a position which they still hold.
Much of the reason for Brazil's success should be credited to Dunga. The 1994 World Cup winner went against the wishes of the Brazilian press and, instead of selecting a squad made up of accomplished global celebrities, decided to only select those players who were on top of their game, no matter the club or the league where they play.
Players like Elano, Andre Santos, Ramires and Felipe Melo have since become important members of the side. But if it weren't for the eyes of Dunga and Brazil continued to select only their global superstars, perhaps these players would never have been provided with the opportunity to represent the Selecao. Dunga also wasn't afraid to drop under performing superstars like AC Milan's Ronaldinho, nor did he see it necessary to give prolific Juventus striker Amauri a call-up.
His methods and defensive tactics for that matter were heavily criticised, but despite being under constant pressure a stubborn Dunga didn't change his way of thinking and refused to present his resignation. Brazil may still not play the joga bonito, but they have become a solid unit that knows exactly how to win games. At the moment Brazil's confidence is sky-high, and they will come into the 2010 World Cup as one of the favourites.
Brazil are a formidable unit, and although a handful of Europe's top sides, namely Spain, Germany, England, the Netherlands and perhaps Italy are looking strong, the Selecao can be considered the best team in the world at the moment. Will this be the case next Summer?
Source: goal.com
For Aviation Art gallery, Check Welcome to My World
The win extended Brazil's winning streak to 10 matches and their unbeaten to 18. It also meant they inflicted a first home defeat upon Argentina in 34 matches, which was only their second loss in 50 World Cup qualifying matches.
It was a perfect team effort. Brazil looked extremely solid in all sectors of the field, all the way from defence to the attack. Julio Cesar was secure in goal, captain Lucio was a rock at the back, Real Madrid superstar Kaka pulled the strings in the midfield, setting up the third goal, as well as playing a part in the second. Gilberto Silva made several key interceptions behind him. But the star of the show was without any doubt Luis Fabiano. The Sevilla man was as prolific as ever, scoring twice to lead the five-time world champions to a comfortable victory.
The Selecao may have secured World Cup qualification, but it wasn't always so straight forward, as their campaign didn't get off to a flying start. A defeat to Paraguay and goalless draws with Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia led to wide criticism and the press and fans alike wanted Dunga's head. But the coach insisted that all he needed was some more time for his team to begin to play the kind of football that was expected of them.
Dunga was certainly right. Because as the matches went by Brazil's game clearly improved and a 4-0 thrashing of Uruguay in Montevideo in June demonstrated that they had reached top form. A few days after the win they came from behind to defeat Paraguay in a tense encounter in Recife.
Although their form in the South American qualifiers was very good, the time came to show the entire world what they were capable of in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Egypt, the Selecao thrashed world champions Italy 3-0 and beat the United States by the same score in the group stage. After edging hosts South Africa in the semi-finals, Brazil came from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in the final. Such a hard-worked victory demonstrated that they were and are a team that are capable of achieving anything.
With a record third Confederations Cup title triumph Brazil jumped into first place of the FIFA World Rankings, a position which they still hold.
Much of the reason for Brazil's success should be credited to Dunga. The 1994 World Cup winner went against the wishes of the Brazilian press and, instead of selecting a squad made up of accomplished global celebrities, decided to only select those players who were on top of their game, no matter the club or the league where they play.
Players like Elano, Andre Santos, Ramires and Felipe Melo have since become important members of the side. But if it weren't for the eyes of Dunga and Brazil continued to select only their global superstars, perhaps these players would never have been provided with the opportunity to represent the Selecao. Dunga also wasn't afraid to drop under performing superstars like AC Milan's Ronaldinho, nor did he see it necessary to give prolific Juventus striker Amauri a call-up.
His methods and defensive tactics for that matter were heavily criticised, but despite being under constant pressure a stubborn Dunga didn't change his way of thinking and refused to present his resignation. Brazil may still not play the joga bonito, but they have become a solid unit that knows exactly how to win games. At the moment Brazil's confidence is sky-high, and they will come into the 2010 World Cup as one of the favourites.
Brazil are a formidable unit, and although a handful of Europe's top sides, namely Spain, Germany, England, the Netherlands and perhaps Italy are looking strong, the Selecao can be considered the best team in the world at the moment. Will this be the case next Summer?
Source: goal.com
For Aviation Art gallery, Check Welcome to My World
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