Brazil's Renato kicks bullyboys into touch

LIMA, July 24 (Reuters) -- Ball-winning midfielders in Brazilian football are generally a ruthless breed.

Usually found wearing the number five shirt, they are often known as 'Brucutus' (bullyboys) for the rough-arm tactics they employ to stop the opposition getting close to the penalty area.

They are blamed by critics for their role in Brazilian domestic football's reputation of being among the most violent in the world with up to 60 fouls a match. Many of them are accused of being unable to pass the ball in a straight line.

Renato, Brazil's number five at the Copa America, is a shining exception and his success at the tournament provides hope that the role played by the 'Brucutus' will be diminished.

Renato relies on speed, technique and good anticipation to win the ball. Once in possession, he looks very comfortable and his distribution is outstanding.

"I've put my trust in him because I like his attitude, he's a determined player and he dedicates himself to the team," said coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

"And he's a player who knows how to play his way out of

defence There are no bullyboys in my team."

MAJOR FINALS

Since bursting on to the scene with Santos three years ago, Renato has played in one major final every year.

In 2002, it was the Brazilian championship in which Santos, the club where Pele spent most of his career, beat Corinthians over two legs to win the title for the first time.

Last year, he was in the Santos team that lost to Argentina's Boca Juniors in the Libertadores Cup final, the South American equivalent of the Champions League.

On Sunday, he will play his first final in a Brazil shirt when his country take on arch-rivals Argentina with the Copa America at stake.

The gold shirt of Brazil, which carries the hopes of 170 million fanatical supporters at home, has inhibited many players but Renato says he has found the transition easy.

"To be honest, I haven't been overawed by wearing it," he told Reuters. "I've learned to deal with the anxiety."

Renato, who will play for Sevilla in Spain once the Copa has finished, is not allowed to push forward as frequently as he did with Santos but he has no complaints.

"To play in the national team, you have to be versatile," he said. "I think this will help me in the future."

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