World Cup Team Profile: Brazil

From the country known as the land of football, Brazil have won five World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). On the continental scene too the Seleção have enjoyed huge success, with eight Copa America titles, winning four of the last five tournaments. The Olympics are the only competition to elude them – Brazil have never picked up gold.

To reach the World Cup the Seleção finished first in the South American qualifying group, one point ahead of Chile and Paraguay. Under pressure from the local media, the Brazilians showed their quality with a 3-1 win away to arch rivals Argentina and gave Uruguay a 4-0 thumping. While the art of flair football has given way to tight marking and discipline, Brazil’s stars still have superior technical ability running through their veins.

Brazil find themselves in Group G, with the Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea.

The Coach

Dunga (BRA)
46 years old

After the 2006 fiasco, with overweight players organising parties the night before matches, the CBF (Brazilian FA) decided the time had come to renew the national team, betting on the inexperienced Carlos Verri – better known as Dunga. The coach, nicknamed Dunga in reference to the Brazilian name for Dopey, one of the seven dwarfs, was soon given the name Grumpy by the local press due to his anger with criticism.

Dunga did not bow to pressure from the press to create a typical Brazilian team and the Seleção have won three of the four competitions they have played under his leadership. The coach operates a defensive game, relying on a dangerous counter-attacking style. His record, at the time of writing reads 45 victories, 11 draws and six defeats. Proving the Brazilian team is no longer just about breathtaking performances the coach commented: "We will be as or more professional than the Europeans with everything."

Players to watch

Ricardo ‘Kaká’ Leite
28 years old
Attacking Midfielder
Real Madrid (SPA)

The 2007 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner is heading to his third World Cup. Now he has a special responsibility on his shoulders, to carry the team to the title, a title he won in 2002. After winning the Champions League in 2007, Kaka was rumoured to be joining Real Madrid, a move he finally made in 2009. Since arriving at the Bernabeu Kaka has struggled to reproduce the form Brazilians expect – and they are worried.

Julio César Espíndola
30 years old
Goalkeeper
Internazionale (ITA)

Julio César arrives at the World Cup high on confidence having just won the Champions League. This will be the goalkeeper’s second World Cup, but his first as the side’s number 1. Julio César suffered at first when he left Flamengo, having to sit on the bench behind Francesco Toldo. Now though he is hailed, especially by the Brazilian press, as the best goalkeeper in the world and considered more than the equal of Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas.

Maicon
28 years old
Right Back
Internazionale (ITA)

One of the best right backs in the world, Maicon endured a long period as the legendary Cafu’s understudy. Once breaking through at national team level, the 28-year-old had the confidence to grasp the nettle at Inter and become a key player there too. At first the Brazilian media were not convinced by Maicon’s presence in the Seleção, but now his spot is unquestioned and he will be a crucial part of their success this summer.

Ramires do Nascimento
23 years old
Midfielder
Benfica (POR)

Nicknamed by the Cruzeiro supporters "Ramires Gurerreiro" (Warrior Ramires) and "Queniano Azul" (Blue Kenyan) – a reference to the colour of their shirt – Ramires is a player that never gets tired, constantly fights for the ball and pressess all over the pitch. Often a surprise arrival in the attack, Ramires can take goals well. After joining Benfica – the Portuguese were impressed with his technical ability – he soon became a key element of their midfield.

The view from Brazil:

Despite having a more defensive side than might be expected of Brazil, and counting on many players who are not currently first choice at their clubs – such as Doni and Julio Baptista – the Seleção are always considered one of the favourites to win the tournament and this time is no different. The home fans don’t like the defensive posture and the lack of what they believe is skilful players in the team. The Seleção also don’t have a strong link with their fans as most of their games are not in Brazil. Yet when it comes to the World Cup all Brazilians want the trophy.

Prediction

Winners of the Confederations Cup last year, South American qualifying and the Copa America in 2007, Brazil go to South Africa as worthy favourites. The team may not be the artists of old, but the Seleção are compensating for this by seeing through a strong tactical plan. Their group is not a difficult one and Brazil will certainly reach the quarter-finals at least.

Did you know?

Brazil have of course lost some games on the way to qualification to the World Cup and in 1993 they went down to Bolivia 2-0. This made a big impression on the press and fans, but they managed to get to the World Cup and win the trophy. The Brazilian team continues to be the only side that has been to every World Cup.

15/06/10: Brazil  2 – 1  North Korea    –   Ellis Park, Johannesburg
20/06/10: Brazil  3 – 1  Ivory Coast     –   Soccer City, Johannesburg
25/06/10: Brazil vs Portugal     –   Durban