World Cup Preview - Group F - Brazil

Brazil:

Nickname: “The Selecao”

Coach: Serbian World Cup winner Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Game Schedule:
June 13 – Brazil vs. Croatia (3 p.m. EST)
June 18 – Brazil vs. Australia (12 p.m.)
June 22 – Brazil vs. Japan (3 p.m.)

Prospects: Brazilians were laughing when – after topping Conmebol qualifying – they were seeded in the easiest group in the competition. They will absolutely cruise through the first three games against an aging Croatian side, a toothless Japanese side and an Australian side that’s qualified for the first time in thirty years. Hopefully they’ll turn on the kind of “jogo bonito” style featured in the Nike ads currently in heavy rotation. Yet, although the squad announced by Parreira is frightening, there are some nagging doubts about the Selecao this time around. They’re never air-tight at the back but the decision to continue with veterans Cafu and Roberto Carlos as wing-backs may expose them when they meet quality opposition. Brazil has always relied on scoring more goals than they concede. Still, there are problems up front. “Problems?” you ask. “There are problems when you have the Three Rs?” Yes. Parreira has already announced that he will start the team that finished qualifying against Croatia – this is anchored by Roma midfielder Emerson, who to my mind is one of the most negative players in the world game. Further up the pitch, Ronaldo, I’d argue, is past his best –a player that does show for the big games but has been plagued by injury throughout his career. Fellow striker Adriano has just competed a very unhappy year largely on the bench at Inter and is a very streaky scorer. Robinho – I just don’t rate him. Flashy, but to little effect. That puts an enormous burden on the outrageously skilled Ronaldinho, who seemed to be badly affected by just such expectations at the Champion’s League final.

Key Player: Milan midfielder Kaka – may take the pressure off Ronny. If he’s unsettled by a Milan relegation, we’ll have him down the Elland next season, please.

Youngster to watch: All eyes will be on 22 year old Real Madrid galactico Robinho.

Who Will Get the Goals: If I’m right and Ronaldo isn’t fit to play during much of the tournament, Adriano will have to step up.

Who Will Get the Cards: Center back Juan will be found out, especially in the latter stages.

Funniest Name: For the second competition running - Kaka.

Prediction: Beaten in a thrilling all South American final against Argentina.