A ‘Hexa’ Quest and Some Bench-warmers

The ‘Selecao’, as they are fondly called, the team that has been the face of the game in its whole history are looking for their sixth World Cup success. Brazil has fielded the ‘magic quartet’ in their first game against Croatia in their bid for that ‘Hexa’. A one goal victory proved alright. Fans expected more but it is their own fault. The defence and Dida enjoyed that clean-sheet, Emerson had a few tackles, though most were harsh, Roberto Carlos had his usual thunderbolts going, wizard Ronaldinho tried to entertain, and Kaka scored a stunner. Ronaldo showed why he is called an overweight. Adriano could not get out of his recent poor run. In the end, the coach says they played badly and won because they had planned so. He says he has asked his team to take out only 70% what they have got. This does not sound music to the ears of an ordinary supporter. Even pundits have laughed at these comments.

The question remains, will Brazil retain the title? They may, but they have to improve a lot. Maybe that they haven’t taken out yet is that which will be crucial. What I am here about to do is to analyse their bench a bit. Robinho, much unused by Real Madrid on the right wing, can be impressive with his pace and dribbles. He has been compared to ‘the sparrow’ Garrincha and that is an honour in itself. Gilberto Silva has been so solid for Arsenal, is a good air-ball specialist and is known to hold the play well. Juninho Pernambucano’s skills in set-pieces is known, he is also a fine attacking midfielder who can score goals with ease. He has shown that for Lyon in the Champions League. Cris has been solid for that same Lyon, and so has been Luisao for Benfica. Cicinho’s pace is awesome, and has been a better player for tiring Real Madrid for the latter part of the last season. All these players have proven enough to get into the starting eleven.

It is not fair to analyse a team from their first match. It is also cruel to criticize a team that had won. But the victory has not been in their usual way. Italy or Czech Republic in the second round is a fearful prospect. Both those teams have been impressive and concrete in their own opening matches. The kind of football they displayed against Croatia will not be enough against them. To retain the title, Brazil needs to play with more composure in front of goal. Ronaldo and Adriano should be among the goals or the bench will invade the pitch. Carlos Alberto Parreira has already voiced his fears, “It is not easy to win the World Cup, and it is even more difficult to retain it”.