Brazilians fail to sparkle

I have been arguing at work for some time that Brazil would crap-out in this World Cup, and after last nights stuttering and apathetic display, I now feel utterly vindicated. Brazil were very poor. The Samba Boy’s expected fireworks were limited to a couple of flicks, including one delightful example from buck-toothed Barcelona deity, Ronaldinho, and a curling shot from 25-yards that nestled in the top left-hand corner of Croatia’s goal, scored by AC Milan midfielder Kaka.

The mighty Ronaldo, who needs two more goals to be the competitions highest ever goals scorer, was dreadful. Brazil would have seen greater movement and energy had they fielded a wardrobe as their No. 9. Croatia in the second half were energised by the arrival of Ivica Olic, whose runs down the left cut through Brazil’s midfield, who, had it not been for good performances from centre-halves Lucio and the outstanding Juan, would have been humiliated in their opening match.

CSKA Moscow striker, Olic, wasn’t expected to start the game after a thigh strain in his left leg, suffered during a friendly against Poland prior to the tournament. However the talented forward was fit enough to be introduced in the 57th-minute and created multiple chances for the Croats, who dominated the early part of the second half, before the narcoleptic Ronaldo was replaced with 20-minutes to go by the 22-year-old Robinho, a player who ignited Brazil’s fuse with Adriano coming close with a well-worked chance 5-miniutes later.

Croatia will be heartened by a honourable defeat. They defended well, and were prized open only once, by the quick feet of Madrid’s Robinho. In fairness to the Croats, Kaka’s goal was unstoppable after he’d took a brilliant touch to get away from two defenders, before unleashing a shot which was curling so much, it barely missed the left inside post, yet by the time it had hit the net, had moved about four or five feet to the right. Croatia’s excellent goalkeeper, Stipe Pletikosa, didn’t have a chance; it was a fantastic goal.

So, after week-one, my warnings about Brazil seem to be justified. Yes, they may consolidate their midfield, and drop the podgy Ronaldo up-front, leaving the indifferent Adriano as the focal point of their attack. But will this be enough, and will the Brazilians have options on the bench if Ronaldo is out-of-sorts? Even the Samba Boys need to shake things up occasionally with substitutions. I have no idea how good Lyon striker Fred is.

After the performance today of Spain, we will have an idea as to how the teams have prepared for this competition, and who, even at this early stage, may be fighting it out in a few weeks. With France looking no better than the team that turned up 4-years ago, and England increasingly Heliophobic, it looks like Italy, Holland, Germany, Argentina, and possibly the Ivory Coast, will make up the Semi Finalists. Whether Brazil will be able to join this list depends on a radical change in attitudes, and the ability of their coach to make tough decisions, one of which may upset sponsors Nike.