Paul Tobitt
Just as stadiums across Brazil are being rebuilt in preparation for the 2014 World Cup, the Seleção has undergone its own transformation. The post-Dunga period was always going to seem like a breath of fresh air, with a new manager and several of the old guard calling it a day after the World Cup failure in South Africa last summer. However, the wave of new talent coach Mano Menezes has at his disposal has renewed optimism about what Brazil can achieve at the Copa America and, more importantly, in 2014. If nothing else, Menezes’ side promise to play with a vibrancy and dynamism that was severely lacking under the previous regime.
In the eight games that Brazil have played in the last year, Menezes has plotted five wins, one draw and two defeats. Both losses came against quality though, in the shape of France in Paris and Argentina in Qatar. But amidst the disappointment of defeat, each provided valuable opportunities for experimentation and helped several players to cement their place in Brazil’s starting eleven.
Menezes has remained loyal to two of the players he worked with as boss at Corinthians; left back Andre Santos, now at Fenerbahce, is on his way to Argentina, as is versatile defensive midfielder Elias, who has also left Brazil, this time for Atletico Madrid. Santos, just crowned South American champions after their Copa Libertadores triumph, provide Menezes with the services of three players for the Copa America; Elano – a survivor from last year’s World Cup; exciting midfielder Ganso and highly-rated striker Neymar. The latter provided glimpses of the talent he can display on the global stage when turning out against Scotland in March in London, while the former has skill in abundance, with superb vision and a temperament that belies his tender years.
A stern test for the Seleção arrived three weeks ago when a full strength Holland side provided the opposition in Goiâna. And while the game ended goalless, it was notable for the number of chances the Brazilians managed to create. Menezes deployed a front three of Neymar, Robinho and, in the central role, Fred. While these stars would be enough to give most defences sleepless nights, Brazil’s press have already expressed their own preference for a “fantastic four” of Ganso, Neymar, Robinho and Alexandre Pato; indeed, if the quartet were to play together it would be a mouthwatering prospect.
With such talent throughout the squad, another player setting tongues wagging back in Brazil – Sao Paulo attacking midfielder Lucas – looks set for a backseat at the Copa America. The 18-year-old though will surely play an integral part in the side in due course.
If Menezes were to opt for a 4-3-3 formation in Argentina, the coach would have the envious task of picking from Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, Chelsea’s all-action man Ramires, Elias and Tottenham Hotspur schemer Sandro, to sit in front of the back four and provide defensive protection. And Brazil are strong at the back, a potent combination when mixed with such attacking riches; Brazil have conceded just two goals over the last year. Veteran Lucio, playing as well as ever, is joined by AC Milan stopper Thiago Silva and Chelsea’s David Luiz – both enjoyed exceptional seasons in European football. Dani Alves too, slotting in at right back, is another who can lay claim to having been amongst the best in the world in his chosen position, picking up a La Liga and Champions League double with Barcelona.
So Brazil head to the Copa America boasting strength throughout, although how the story ends in Argentina remains to be seen. Despite the obvious talent, promise and glimpses of sublime skill, the caveat is that the group of players Menezes has selected have not clocked up enough minutes on the pitch together and experience at international level is lacking in certain positions.
Excitement will come from seeing if this group can live up to their obvious potential. If Brazil click and Menezes is able to ultilise this vast individual talent in a collective unit, it would come as little surprise to see Brazil crowned Copa America champions for the third consecutive time at the end of July.
>> 2011 Copa America – Players to Watch in Argentina
>> 2011 Copa America Preview – Group A
>> 2011 Copa America Preview – Group B
>> 2011 Copa America Preview – Group C
>> Inside Betting: 2011 Copa America Top Goalscorer
>> Inside Betting: 2011 Copa America Outright
