The Brazil Conondrum and Another Premature Exit??

Brazil have shown that they're not going to be swayed by media opinion, and will continue on the path they set themselves before the tournament. This is one of the most docile and slow teams to have some out of Brazil- slow in terms of ball movement not physical speed. But this shouldnt deceive anyone, they still retain their killer edge. Australia and Croatia can attest to that. Both teams can claim that they played just about as well as they're capable and still came away with nothing, not a point, not a goal.

Ze Roberto, Emerson, Lucio and Juan were solid in the middle of the park. It would seem unlikely that any team can break Brazil through the middle, though Argentina may have the required passing game to do so. On the flanks, Cafu and Carlos have not really been tested, with neither Croatia nor Australia really focussing their attack on the aging wingbacks. Holland is probably the team that is capable of assaulting Brazil's wings with van Bronckhorst, Robben, Heitinga and van Persie all younger and faster than the highly rated Brazilian duo. Kaka and Ronaldinho did not get through much defensive work, this means that Brazil apply less pressure on the ball carrier than the average soccer team. Adriano often dropped deeper to assist Ze Roberto and Emerson, leaving a not fully fit Ronaldo as the lone man upfront. So there is the possibility of wearing out the Brazilians IF (its a big if) the opposition can hold the ball for long periods of time and make Brazil chase. That is the only weakness I have noted in Brazil so far. Of course, Lucio's desire to sprint forward to assist the attack can leave them vulnerable as it did against Australia, but the rest of the defensive unit is quite capable of covering for him. And Dida is not a very good goalkeeper by any stretch of the imagination. But to exploit him would require lots of possession and attacking intent. Australia squeezed a few mistakes out of him without capitalizing.

In attack, Brazil look lethargic. Ronaldo, and Adriano as well, do not look fully fit. Ronaldo is also a little off colour when it comes to his first touches. Kaka and Ronaldinho have yet to strike the partnership the whole world is expecting and dreading. Cafu and Carlos seem hesitant coming forward, as if they've been paying attention to media sources which claim they're the weak links in the Brazilian defence. Emerson seems to be out of touch with his teammates. So overall, the Brazilians lack synchronization. They all displayed moments of individual brilliance- like Ronaldo backheeling to set up Kaka and his cool draw and pass to assist Adriano's goal. But the teamwork is not there. Robinho and Fred, in their brief cameos, managed to hide this dyssynchrony with their enthusiasm and speed. But many commentators have mistaken this for inappropriate selection policy- they feel that Robinho should start instead of Ronaldo because the tempo increased with him on the field. Parreira coolly pointed out that there is a difference between playing the last 20 and first 70, and thats why Robinho is on the bench.

My prediction is that against Japan, we will see glimpses of Brazil's best. This will a dress rehearsal for the elimination series. For periods of the game, Brazil will play at full intensity more for practice than for breaking Japan. The result will be no less 3-0. I think more of the passes will stick and Kaka particularly, will be more involved. Despite scoring against Croatia, I think he has been the most disappointing Brazilian so far.

A quick comment on the last of the second round group matches....

Spain displayed an uncharasteristic resolve to turn around a 1-0 defecit and win 3-1. At the 70 minute mark, I was thinking "here we go again, typical Spain". But suddenly, their intensity increased and as a team they lifted. Raul opened the scoring after Tunisian keeper Boumnijel spilled a long range shot from the impressive Cesc Fabregas. Then, my player of the tournament so far along with Riquelme, Fernando Torres scored an absolute beauty after receiving a wonderful pass from the irrepressible Fabregas. Torres capped off a fine display with a cool penalty in the dying moments of the game. Spain, unlike past appearances, have played with courage and confidence. A thumping awaits for the hapless Saudis, and then a possible rematch with the Koreans, or maybe the underrated Swiss or even the thoroughly unimpressive French.

Ukraine opened its world cup account with a predictable win over Saudi Arabia. The only disappointment was Shevchenko's inability to score more than once. Switzerland and Korea are looking good to qualify from Group G at the moment apart an uninspiring display from the French. Without Zizu, suspended after getting two yellow cards, a French win in the crucial Togo encounter is far from certain. A sad moment it was when Zizu was substituted in the 89th minute against, an ignominious ending for the greatest player of his generation.