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Get your pitch fix with SI.com's writers in the World Cup Blog, a daily journal of World Cup commentary, on-site reporting and reader-driven discussions.6/27/2006 01:48:00 PM No Brazilian domination
With no Michael Essien to abuse him, Brazil's Kaká (above) was able to waltz all over the midfield.Michael Steele/Getty ImagesPosted by Mark Bechtel
DORTMUND, Germany -- It says a lot about the expectations laid on Brazil that a 3-0 win in the knockout stages of the World Cup will do little to placate those who feel that the team is ripe to get knocked off. (And the group of those who feel that the team is ripe to get knocked off includes just about everyone who's paid attention to its recent performances.)
But this simple fact remains: For 80 minutes, the only thing that separated the reigning world champs from a team making its first World Cup appearance -- and playing without its best player, who has been one of the best players in Germany this month -- was finishing ability and a linesman's inability to make an offside call.
The absence of Ghana's suspended beast Michael Essien, who runs a midfield like no other, was evident in the game's early moments. In the fifth minute, Kaká sashayed through the middle of the park with the ball at his feet, the kind of thing that normally would have left him without the ball (and likely with Essien's footprint on his shin).
But Kaká was unbothered and fed a through ball to Ronaldo, who shimmied past keeper Richard Kingson to make it 1-0. Eight minutes later, Zé Roberto went for a stroll through the midfield before springing Adriano, who, luckily for Ghana, completed a trifecta of ineptitude: He lost the ball, dove and got a yellow card.
After that, though, Ghana was far more sure of itself in the middle of the pitch. Sulley Muntari, a 21-year-old Udinese midfielder, had a whale of a game, starting out wide left before ranging inside where the action was. (And when it wasn't there, he created it.) Haminu Draman, a 20-year-old who plays in Serbia and Montenegro, was also dangerous.
Ronaldinho? Not so much. Some fancy touches, but they didn’t lead to much. After setting up the first goal, Kaká was quiet. Emerson was taken off after 45 minutes. If you were drafting a midfield from scratch based on what you saw today, only Zé Roberto -- maybe -- would have gone before a Ghanaian.
An equalizer seemed in the offing until first-half stoppage time, when Brazil stormed down the field and Adriano bundled a cross home from an offside position. God love 'em, the Ghanaians didn't fold. If anything, they stepped up their attack. But time and time again, they were foiled by poor finishing, blasting shot after shot over the bar.
And when the Gang That Couldn't Shoot Low was able to put one on target, Dida was always in the right place. The Brazilian keeper stopped a John Mensah header off a corner in the 42nd minute with his foot, and in the 79th minute he made the save of the day, a diving effort to turn an Asamoah Gyan blast around the post. Two minutes later, Gyan was gone, a yellow for diving added to his first-half yellow for kicking the ball into the seats when a call didn't go his way. (He certainly didn't get his money's worth on that red card.) And with him went any chance Ghana had. A man up, Brazil turned on the tricks, adding a third from Zé Roberto and nearly scoring two more on sweet Ricardinho setups. (Kingson made a pair of great saves.)
My colleague Grant Wahl wrote recently that he hates World Cup Cinderellas. He made a valid point: Underdogs trying to hang with the big boys usually results in boring soccer. But Ghana was not your everyday Cinderalla. In fact, it's a bit of an insult to classify it as one at all. On the heels of a thrashing of the Czech Republic and a pretty sound beating of the U.S., the Black Stars gave the overwhelming favorite all they could handle before succumbing in a match whose result flatters Brazil, a team that no longer looks like a sure thing to even make it out of the quarters.
So what do you think? Would the result have been different had Essien been available? And what is wrong with Brazil?
252 Comments:
Ghana held their own against Brasil, though the ref should have called a lot more fouls on them! A lot more.!!! The ref let the Ghana's have their day, but against Brasil it is hopeless.Brazil can switch the offense on at any point, I just don't know why they don't. They had two late chances plus three opportunities squandered by selfishness. It could easily have been 1-1 at half; it also could have been 7-0.What I saw during that game was a team that had decided to play a defensive game. I think a lot of commentators expect to see Brasil win 10-0 every time they play, and that's just not going to happen, no matter how good Brasil is.Nice yellow on Adriano Dive, but 2nd goal clearly offside.
Linesmen still forbidden. Great first half. boring secondbrazil to win cup aagin. who will beat themBrazil was really lazy today. It's a shame because they end up playing for the result - and a boring performance is what we get. Why Parreira loves Cafu and Roberto Carlos I don't know, but they are the ones making Brazil play so poorly.nothing is wrong with brazil. they are so good everyone expects more out of them everytime they play. keep in mind the team's they play always defend with 8 men from what i've seen. I think it's hard to score against any team that defends with up 8 men sometimes 10. and yet they still find a way to win..I'm sure Brazil will win it. It is the mark of a champion to continue winning even when you are not at your best.after living in many parts of the world and being a huge fan, there is one thing i have learned... american writers know absolutely nothing about soccer, excpet of course what they read in briefs from other newspapers, and after reading this article Mark Bechtel seems to be no different. ghana is a team that has 2 world cup wins.. a great feat by any team...i mean come on mark, do they pay you to purposely write naive stuff, or do you volunteer your idiocy free of charge.You are right on the money. So far the most balanced report on the game. Makes me also wonder what would have happened with Essien playing. And one notch up what team on planet earth can stand a Ghanaian team with a world class striker?Each World Cup (my fifth as a fan) it's the same refrain about Brasil. No defence, not playing to potential, etc, etc. Yet they continue to win. It's senseless to say "if only this player had been on the pitch the result would be different..." So what! It would have raised the play of the Brasilian side. As for Ronaldinho, his role is not to score goals as with Barcelona. His role, as is obvious, is to be the anchor or glue for the team and he has done a wonderful job of it.The loss of Essien barely seemed to have slowed down Ghana. At times, they were playing better soccer than Brazil. The Brazilian team doesn't appear to be clicking. Don't get me wrong, they're full of talent and are still very dangerous, but they aren't playing with their usual flair. All the credit in the world to Ghana for stepping up and hanging in with the big boys. Watch out for this team in the future.Okay, I know it's the rules, but how riduculous is it that a red card suspends a player for the next game? Brazil enjoys a huge advantage that it didn't earn, and we don't get to see a great player perform. Why not award a penalty kick to the other team when you pick up a red card? Look at England, they'll be playing a Portugeuse team without some of it's better players, and Netherlands goes home. I'm sure the Dutch would rather have two penalty kicks than hand England an unearned advantage.By the time Ghana asserted their physical presence in the game they were already a goal down. They played a great game, but just couldn't convert their chances. It might have been a different game in the 2nd half if the linesman had thrown up the flag on Adriano....might....Ghana would not have won even if their "star" midfielder had been playing. I believe we are seeing a new brazil. I do not believe they feel the need to run up the score. Maybe this is to keep the game intrested or to keep their critics talking about them. However, time after time they win and win solidly. Sure brazil didnt pressure Ghana the entire time. Then again it only takes one goal to win a match. Judging by todays preformace. Ronaldo's goal would have done just that. Ghana was playing very physical and taking dives so they could attempt to win over the referee. This is sad. This may have worked against a US team that seemed to give up after a blown dive call, but not a seasoned team like Brazil.Well, Brazil did what they have done this entire cup, play only to the level needed to win. Could be they are less concerned with making sports writers happy than they are with winning and staying healthy.What is wrong with Brazil? I don't know which matches you have been watching, but the only thing I've seen is a team that hasn't faced any competition. The Brazilians look like they are just scrimmaging out there, then when they want to they score. Ghana played well, and although one player can help a great deal it's still a team sport. And as a team they couldn't match Brazil.This was a practice match for Brazil, nothing more.Why is everyone saying Brazil is vulnerable? In their past two matches Brazil has scored 7 goals and their opponenst have only scored 1. Despite what everyone is saying, Brazil is 4-0 in the World Cup so far. Give them a break!What's wrong with Brazil? The same thing that seems to plague a lot of national teams - the coach's decision to stick with an aging veteran with old legs for too long instead of giving the younger blood a chance. Now, in many cases, the older veterans still have a better game than the younger subs, but Brazil has so much talent, that one could argue that some of the reserves are better than the starters. While a balance between veteran leadership and younger, inexperienced players needs to be sought, too often coaches rely on too many of the older veterans.Why is everybody saying something is wrong with Brazil? In their past two matches, Brazil has scored 7 goals and their opponents have only scored 1! Despite what everyone is saying, brazil is 4-0-0 so far in the World Cup. Give thema break!Seemed like the Ghanians definately held their own. It even appeared they probably had more possesion of the ball, too bad they couldn't finish. The brazilians are known for their finishing. One of the best games of the cup so far. ps all the brazilian fans, the only team out there for "dives" should be the Italians.brazil dives too much! Italians get heat for diving, so why not those cheating brazilians... I pick Ghana. they are strong.
congratualtions to one of the best african teams in history! I wish I could have seen you longer, but you know how it is when you play brazil: the association is always in their favour....When you are a know powerhouse in soccer like Basil, you are going to get you critics. It doesn't mean you aren't as good as you need to be to win the whole thing. I have been following Basil soccer for the last 16 years. Every cup they are watch and scrutinized more than any other team. THE REASON, THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE PICK TO WIN. IF YOU WIN CRITICISM; IF YOU LOSE EVEN MORE CRITICISM. They can win for losing in the NONE Brasilian eye.Brasil detractor always find fault at the team and yet the selecao always find a way to shut them down. although ghana played valliantly, I do not think Brasil was in any danger of loosing the match. All of you european, including the writer of this article, who are bad mouthing the selecao and dreaming, take a look at your own side and see if they can beat brasil.Had Essien been there, it would have been a different game, but Ghana's ineptitude at finishing their brilliant game would not have changed. They would have probably pushed Brasil to the penalty shoot out, but once there, Brasil would have gone through. As poorly as they have played so far, there is no way anyone can beat Brasil in that situation.
Ultimately you only win if you score, and this is especialy true in the knockout phase.I give big props on Ghana because they did a beautiful job playing against brazil..omg they were playing better than Brazil come on..didn't you guys see that Adriano was offsides when he scored the second goal..the linesman did not bother to throw the flag up on Adriano!!!!HE WAS OFFSIDES that goal didn't count!!!GREAT Job Ghana and Brazil you can do better...that was the most boring game ever!!!if Essien was playing that would have been a whole different game!!!!I agree that Ghana was at a disadvantage, but Brazil would still have won even if Ghana had had all their players. I don't think Brazil is all they are cracked up to be. A team with a strong midfield and some confidence could do Brazil in. They are playing uninspired soccer and it seems they are coasting through (which could be good or bad). But, if one team comes with their A-game and in unintimidated by Brazil, we could see them knocked out. I'd love to see Spain do it in the next round.I think every powerhouse team in this tournament will continually get "they aren't playing that good, and are surely to be beaten soon " style comments and nearly everyone will be right except the person who said it about the winner. Its a shame really Brazil has done nothing except win (what better result is expected? ) all the while being led by a "fat" phenom who just keeps scoring goals. I see weaknesses like everyone, noone is unbeatable yet i dont see anyone except Argentina that will make a final anything less than a forgone conclusion. Brazil is the New York Yankess, love them or hate them you have to know they will get it done when its time to do so. T.Coons Atlanta ,Ga. UsaGhana is a great team but obviously as good as a well-known team like Brazil.
They played very nice and we could have more fault and dangerous contacts in such a competition, but both team kept the play very nice for watchers.ole ole ole ole ole oleit will be brazil in the final this is because they are a flat out beast thier oppenent? italy. italy is an all around good team.In the article, you say one of the only things that separated Brazil from Ghana is finishing ability.
That's a pretty big difference. A team that consistently can finish is a good team. Brazil has shown it finishes better than most teams.
It didn't do the Australians much good to possess the ball the entire 2nd half of the game yesterday. They couldn't finish.“For 80 minutes, the only thing that separated the reigning world champs from a team making its first World Cup appearance… was finishing ability and a linesman's inability to make an offside call.”
Applying that logic, I would say that very few games in this entire World Cup haven’t been decided by finishing ability and referee calls. For example: it was Italy and Australia’s horrendous finishing that let the game be decided by a questionable penalty kick in the final seconds.
Until the Brazilians lose, stop making up reasons to dislike their play.I'm a Ghanaian and I'm extremely proud of the Black Stars' performance but must concede the better team won.Everyone criticized Ronaldo at the beginning of the tournament...where are those critics now? The fact of the matter i sthat when the ball is at his feet, hw is the most explosive striker still in the game today.
Same thing about Brazil. Everyone wants to criticize them an dgranted that selfishness at times may be a problem, but I am willing to wager that just as Ronaldo silenced his critics with priceless goals, Brazil will silence their critics with 3 more victories.so much criticism on brazil, what are european teams doing? NOTHING. Brazil will still win it all, no team has figured them out, evne though commentators seem all to be coaches themselvesGo Brazil, Stop hating People, They won , thats all that should count.....These American commentators and writers should stick to writing articles about football, baseball, basketball, hockey and all other well known sports in America but not Futbol. Brazil is doing what is has to do to win because they are seriously going after an unprecedented 6th World Cup title and playing around and doing tricks all day is not how you win games. Playing the game with emphasis on fundamentals and the basics is how you win and Brazil is doing just that and low & behold they are winning their games.Will people quit asking, "What is wrong with Brazil?" I have heard this, but they continue to win. Brazil is a brilliant side, but one of the hardest things to do, especially in soccer, is to continue to win. When you are at the top teams are always pumped to play you and it really says something when you continue to produce results. There is too much parody in the world for Brazil to win every game beautifully. The fact is they are still undefeated. That is an amazing feat in itself. Celebrate and enjoy the ride.Brazil really has not done all that well during the FIFA World Cup. They have just gotten lucky. If Essien was playing, then I think that Ghana would have no doubt upset Brazil. One player can deffinately make all the difference on a team, especially mentally. Brazil should be playing better, but they are not, which is very dissapointing.It is so easy to say Brasil is beatable. It is so HARD to actually beat them.
****** (yes six)Ghana played a great game, but even on their best day they don't quite match Brazil. However, i agree with the criticism of Brazil. If they don't step it Spain could send them home in the quarters. Germany on home turf have also looked strong as have the Italians only allowing 1 fluke goal so far. I think it's tough to call Brazil the favourites anymore.I really do not understand why people still expect Brazil to play the "magic" football. They tried it, over and over, for 24 years until they came to the conclusion that, to win the Finals, you have to go with the flow. If beautiful soccer were to be the winner we would never have Germany neither England among the champions, for both play the football for result style. And when somebody gets the cup a fifth time this somebody can start saying whatever he wants, for the time being just "bow and worship" the best football in the world. I say.Why or why some people critize Brazil every time they play someone?! Is it because they are the best team ever or people are so jealous because no team can beat Brazil?!
We'll see they will be champs again on July 9. I bet it will be Brazil against Argentina.
And PLEASE STOP CRITICIZING THE CHAMPS!!
Thanks everyoneGhana played a great game. However, Brazil is doing just as much as it needs to win a game. If Essien had played, they would have figured a way to play better. End result would have been the same; A Brazil win. Brazil did not have Robinho. If he did,God knows, the score might have been 5-0. Ronaldinho so far has been a no-show. Ghana was good, but brazil was better. It will be a interesting match up for the brazilians in the next game. Go Brazil!!I think Brazil has a superstar problem. It seems like the team has so many superstars who are afraid of getting injured. They don't really want to get involved in the game. Brazil has quality players who can make you fall in love with the beauty of soccer, but they will not get involved. Their clubs is where the money is. They would do whatever to shine and secure their spots with them and can really care less about bringing the same athmosphere to the world cup.
HadsterThere is nothing wrong with Brazil. Apparently there are a lot of "fans" with little or no experience in competitive soccer. The fact is Brazil is winning without playing their "best". The results are what counts. You cannot play the beautiful game when you are being continually kicked and hacked. The proof is in the pudding Brazil is 4-0-0. I am not sure what is "wrong" with that. We should be asking what is wrong with the teams that are playing them.We all can talk, talk, talk, and talk...
But let's face it, Brasil is Brasil, and the rest are Japanese...I want to answer to whoever said
at 2:28 PM:
"after living in many parts of the world and being a huge fan, there is one thing i have learned... american writers know absolutely nothing about soccer, excpet of course what they read in briefs from other newspapers, and after reading this article Mark Bechtel seems to be no different. ghana is a team that has 2 world cup wins.. a great feat by any team...i mean come on mark, do they pay you to purposely write naive stuff, or do you volunteer your idiocy free of charge."
Please, check http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/team/profile.html?team=GHA
You will find how wrong your statistics are.I agree that American writers have no idea when it comes to soccer. It's sad listening to reporters and stories of how Ronaldo is not fit or at the top of his game. That was just becuase he didn't score in the first game. Now he scores and breaks a record and now they its the refs that did a bad job and Ghana's inability to score that gets Brazil by. Mark quit writing about stuff that you know nothing about. Get out of your cubicle and go watch a Brazil game and let us know what you think then.I think the problem with Brazil is that its superstar players don't really want to get involved in the game because they are afraid of getting injured. It seems like they are at the world cup physically but their mind is focused on their big paychecks with their clubs. They don't want to jeopodize their position in their respective clubs. Brazil has the talents to have people fall in love with the game but they won't get involved.One comment for all these critics.... results count.....Listen... Brazil are like the Yankees... it doesn't matter how many times you want to question their play in the regular season... once they get in the closing stretch of the season in the playoffs they are the deadliest team around... its the same thing with Brazil... when they start playing the better teams you'll see their play ascend to the levels we except from them at all times... I'm routing for Italy but I doubt anyone with the exception of Germany because they have looked the best to me during this WC, will beat the BraziliansGhana could of won if Esssien was in the game...and if the damn linesman did throw his flag up to Adriano because on the 2nd goal Adriano was offsides...WTF was that?huh come on Ghana is fast and the ball was on brazil territory the whole time...grrr that game was borin and unfair the 2nd half..well it happened and theres nothin we can do about it
BUT all i can say is Beautiful job GHANA props on the effort u put out there!I'm tired of people bad-mouthing Brasil's performance. Hey, we do what needs to be done to win. It is not just about "Jogo Bonito", it is about scoring and winning. No question that Ghana was a formidable opponent. Personally, I'm happy to see an African team do so well.
I think Brasil is playing to win, not to annihilate opponents. There are still more matches to be played against increasingly talented teams.
I'd like to know how many of these reports have played a 90-minute game. Do you have any idea how difficult it is?I think that Ghana could have beaten Brazil with Essien. He is not only a playmaker but also an inspiration to the team.
The scores does not reflect the run of play as Ghana was obviously the better side.
However, congratulations to Brazil. After all, it's the goals that count.4-0-0; one goal allowed. La Seleção has a record 11 consecutive wins on the Cup. I don't see anything wrong with this picture.THANK YOU FOR A FAIR ARTICLE!! Ghana is a young team and to play that well against a seasoned team like Brazil is amazing. I look forward to seeing them in 2010 when they are more experienced. GHANA, YOU HAVE MADE AFRICA PROUD.I have been watching Brazil play since the “82” cup in Spain and that team had Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Eder etc. and LOST. Why? Because they wanted to please the fans by playing “beautiful” futbol. Now they WIN and people still complain. I believe that if the other teams were willing to play clean and play with an attacking style, Brazil would play “Jogo bonito” but until then I guess they will just have to keep wining.Why Coach Parreira plays Cafu and Roberto Carlos is because those two are feared, respected and have won the WORLD CUP!! They would captain any side in the world and have quarterbacked one of the best defenses in the world for the past 12 years!! It's a complete team that consistently puts itself in a position to win!I don't know what is people's problem with Brazil. We are winning all the matches!!! What else do you want??? Are you one of those Italians, who claim victory ahead of time even though they're playing crappy football and actually tied with the US (also scoring an own goal), and barely survived Australia???
It is so easy to target Brazil, that's what envy people do. Brazil is not a perfect team, but it's a good team, and the only 5 time champion, hopefully we'll win this one again.
Ghana played very well, good for them. Best luck next time.Of the 7 games played so far in this second round Brazil is the only one that won by more than 2 goals yet that isn't enough.
What do you want. Brazil to win all games by 4 goals.
Ghana is a very good team, instead of taking down Brazil give Ghana some credit.Lets get our facts straight. Brazil rocks...and clearly there is no doubt about it, because the whole world knows that Brazil is a kick-ass team, very graceful in their play and more often than not, quite dominating on the field. It takes more than a biased article by an American (whose team got kicked by Brazil, by the way) to call Brazil not so dominating. For goodness sakes, if Brazil was not so dominating, you think they would continue qualifying through every world cup?? It is simple logic and clearly it seems that the Americans cannot digest the fact that they cannot be the kings of the world in everything. Brazil is going to win the world cup and there are not arguements about it!!Te tournament is a long one, they are playing all these games as practice, the real games start in the quarterfinals, they are winning without basically Ronaldinho who will emerge in the real games, I can put money on it, My bet on Brazil over Germany in the final."a pretty sound beating of the U.S." Did you see that game? At best Ghana played the US even.A win is a win, and 3-0 is comfortable margin. Why bother exhausting yourself if you can win without doing so?It's sooo funny all these comments!! You guys seem to know nothing about football (soccer for you, OK). I am brazilian and I know best whats happening...This is WORLD CUP!!!! the result is the most important thing. The brazilian team is under HUGE pressure!!! I know that when "they want, they can score more, and more...or play not so poorly" thing is...to do that...you have to take risks...what's is unimaginable for us...brazilians, to see our national team, say bye to the tournament...in any early phase of the championship!!! WE have that in mind...thats why we keep, unsatisfying everybodys eyes...and winning everything!!!!! 5 stars so far!!!!!!Well as we have seen with several games of this world cup. The refs have their favorite team and unfortunately this wasnt the exeption. Refs go by popularity and since Ghana has no popularity they rather make things easy for Brasil and give them all the calls. Its horrible, but true, Poor african teams they come with a great soccer game and they shut down by the refs who care not to see what they can play and offer to the so cal Favorite Teams.If you think Brazil isn't the top contender it has been in the past, then you are CRAZY. There isn't one player that doesn't have the tremendous vision, pace, and footwork that makes the indominable team famous. The whole lineup is an offensive dream - there is no way they wont come out again on top. In addition to that - is the spirit, artform, and passion for futbol that is unique to Brazil and creates champions!The world cup is for mature teams and not teams that can create chances but can convert chances. We've seen that time and time again. Brazil was clearly the mature team and it took it chances when it came. They did not play offensively because they read the game and saw that Ghana was playing the offside trap; therefore they responded with a counter attack game without regard for a midfield controlling game but lobs over the midfield to attackers. This was how Brazil scored its 3 goals. My friends that's Maturity!!!It's was a good luck for Ghana that Brazil is not playing a good footbol because it would be 6 not 3. thanksBah, all those Brazil-lovers here should remove their pink glasses.
I am from Germany and used to be a great friend of brazilian football, not only the playfull kind, but also the effective kind of football they played in 1994 and 2002. But what they deliver now is just a shame, even their own countrymen are very dissatisfied. They could have easily lost 2 games already, if they had not faced teams that were inable to score goals or if brazil just had a little less luck.
If they keep going like that they will soon leave the cup, and that deservedly.
And those people who always point out that Ronaldo now holds world cup scoring record please take into consideration, that he has needed 50% more games than the former record-holder, his goal per game ratio is WAY worse.So what Brazil didn't play as pretty as "expected". Years from now no one is going to remember how they looked during specific elimination games (like this one against Ghana) only whether or not they advanced. Personally I would rather win playing ugly than lose playing beautifully. I do not understand why so many people take the stance against Brazil. Like it is the popular thing to do this world cup. Ok, so they are not playing to what people "expected". Have they been eliminated yet? No. And yes Ghana played well, but the ending result is what it is, leave it be, and stop giving so many alternative situations. Like if the ref called this or if this player was playing, or if this team would have scored. It didn't happen and the game unfolded as it did. What is clear is this: Brazil advances and Ghana is eliminated (no matter how good they played against the 5-time world champions). And yes I am Brazilian, but I don't think they will win this world cup. I think Germany has it locked if they keep playing the way there are playing. CheersAlthough Brazil may not be playing the "beautiful game" that everyone has come to expect, they are playing well enough to win- whether by 1 or 4 goals, there main focus is to win the cup not to satisfy the hunger for a blow out. Why are all these so called "experts" hating? Perhaps cuz they know deep down Brazil cannot be beat!!So what Brazil didn't play as pretty as "expected". Years from now no one is going to remember how they looked during specific elimination games (like this one against Ghana) only whether or not they advanced. Personally I would rather win playing ugly than lose playing beautifully. I do not understand why so many people take the stance against Brazil. Like it is the popular thing to do this world cup. Ok, so they are not playing to what people "expected". Have they been eliminated yet? No. And yes Ghana played well, but the ending result is what it is, leave it be, and stop giving so many alternative situations. Like if the ref called this or if this player was playing, or if this team would have scored. It didn't happen and the game unfolded as it did. What is clear is this: Brazil advances and Ghana is eliminated (no matter how good they played against the 5-time world champions). And yes I am Brazilian, but I don't think they will win this world cup. i think Germany has it locked if they keep playing the way there are playing.I'm confused about everybody talking about Brazil being so great Brazil this Brazil that and yet Brazil hasn't showed me anything so far in this world cup. I think when Brazil plays a well disciplined team, things will be different. I'm not saying Brazil is a bad team, I think the talent is unreal on that team it's just that they're not playing well together in this cup. I think Germany has displayed the most disciplined and complete team in this cup so far and if they can keep it up, they'll go far.Brazil did just what was needed to win and they did. Yes, Ghana played really well, but guess what, they could not put the ball in the goal. Like it or not, that's what matters in the end. Good to see that the media has at least stopped complaining about Ronaldo's weight. Perhaps they should stop complaining about Brazil's perceived problems as well? Brazil has learnt to play smart (doing just enough) instead of playing to the gallery. More power to them!American sports beat writers are clueless!! Look at Grant Wahls picks in the semis, and this author of the article on the Ghana game. Yes, Ghana played well, but not at the level needed to beat the Brazilians!! Brazil will advance and win the cup!!seriously, brazil is a friggin amazing team. they're unstoppable and ghana had no chance. end of storylet's review the game. When Brazil plays with Ronaldo and Adriano, they play in counter-attack, so possesion is meaningless. The game was incredibly easy (no disrespect to Ghana) but Parreira even had the chance to try yet another formation with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka up front; Juninho, Gilberto and Ze Roberto in midfield. The defense looks awesome against very good strikers but they very seldom got inside the penalty area. Brazil has not been challenged yet. Also, no youngster went through the "aging" Roberto Carlos and Cafu. I only see Germany and an Argentina in a good day beating Brazil. And they will also say that they don't know how to finalize, perhaps they don't have the time to do so ;-)Ghana played they hearths and legs out. Second goal was a joke, and if it stayed 1:0 Ghana would have equilized it. Period. The problem is? Well, Brasil would score 2 more in anycase. Ugly second half, ruined mostly by refs and defensive play of Brasil, but they just had enough control to wrap it up and mail it into QuarterFinals.
They ARE voulnerable, they don't play flashy (only at times) and they don't look like the TEAM BRASIL, but they ARE winning, and mostly, winning at ease. That is Scary!Ghana played they hearths and legs out. Second goal was a joke, and if it stayed 1:0 Ghana would have equilized it. Period. The problem is? Well, Brasil would score 2 more in anycase. Ugly second half, ruined mostly by refs and defensive play of Brasil, but they just had enough control to wrap it up and mail it into QuarterFinals.
They ARE vulnerable, they don't play flashy (only at times) and they don't look like the TEAM BRASIL, but they ARE winning, and mostly, winning at ease. That is Scary!Ghana played bravely and, yes, the absence of Essian was telling blow to their attack. Nonetheless, Brazil does what Brazil does, although I am still looking for the real "Brazil" to show itself in this tournament. I agee with earlier comments that, besides brief flashes from Kaka, the Ghana midfield played marginally better than Brazils middle. Ghana are not there yet as far as World Cup level play is concerned, but they should be proud of their accomplishments.
I'm not convinced Brazil will take the final trophy. They still lack something, hard to define, but there is something missing this from this years side. Granted, they may have the ability to just flip a switch and turn it on, but I think their performance thus far has given opponents some level of confidence that Brazil is beatable this time around.
As for the officiating...I'm tired of watching it, hearing about it, and debating it. FIFA has a serious problem on their hands that needs to be addressed before South Africa. Let's hope the remainder of this great tourney is not marred any further by the men running the middle.Don't foret that Robinho wasn't playing and he is a big part of their scoring attack.About time the ref threw a card on one of the Ghana players for diving, because even though they deserved to beat the USA, they were never carded for their diving all over the field....Nothing is wrong with BRASIL we are fine and Ronaldo still a phenomenal.
"History doesn't talk about the beautiful game, it talks about champions," Parreira said. "We like to play the beautiful game, but we want to win championships. We already have five world championships under our belly and we want to make it six."
GO BRASIL !!!!Two of Brasil's three goals should have been brought back for offsides. Up until today, I was very impressed with the razor accuracy of the offsides calls in the Cup, but this game was different. Ghana's skills are not as well honed as Brasil's, so ultimately the victory was deserved, but it was not a "romp" at all.Joga Bonito, Brasil will dominate this World Cup! Leave every team in the dust!STUPID REFEREE.... VERY UNFAIRBrazil is the BEST ! Love it or Hate it !
Pa pa pa pa pa pa....JOGA BONITO !!!!
O HEXA eh noooosssssoooo !!!!!This may not be realized now, but the match is the nexus of the turn of football to Africa from the South Americans. Today is the beginning of that transformation. In another decade sport writers and experts will revert to this game and realize taht although Ghana lost indeed they won because they have caused the inevitable change of football history in our life time. Mark my words come 2010 in South Africa!!I do not understand what's all this about Brazil playing poorly...do you want all the games to be 7-0? Do you want them to risk injury? Isn't the purpose of the World Cup to win games and advance?
Last time I checked Brazil is 4-0-0 with a combined score for those 4 games of 10-1. Isn't this dominant enough for you???I do not understand what's all this about Brazil playing poorly...do you want all the games to be 7-0? Do you want them to risk injury? Isn't the purpose of the World Cup to win games and advance?
Last time I checked Brazil is 4-0-0 with a combined score for those 4 games of 10-1. Isn't this dominant enough for you???As I read the comments on this page, it's clear to me that most of you do not know anything about the game of football. Brazil didnt play their best because they weren't playing a team that could defeat them. Come on!!!! I wanted Gahna to score, I actually predicted a 4-2 Brazil victory. I dont think Ghana is a bad team. I just know that Brazil is better. Whether is was offsides or not, do you really think Brazil would have a problem scoring another goal to replace the controversial one??
Learn the game people please....Referees cannot score goals for Brazil or take balls out of the net, had Ghana scored. 4-0-0 with a nine goal differential, Brazil detractors . . . get a life.brasil is simply playing responsible soccer. all they care about is a win and moving forward. after they have control of the game there is no need to play agressive and risk injury or getting yellow card which have been ridiculous in this world cup. brasil needs to plan ahead unlike teams who are just happy to have made it this far.ENGLAND WILL BEAT BRAZIL!!!
our Stancous Ally will prevail! - you heard it hear first - MO!brasil is simply playing responsible soccer. all they care about is a win and moving forward. after they have control of the game there is no need to play agressive and risk injury or getting yellow cards which have been ridiculous in this world cup. brasil needs to plan ahead unlike teams who are just happy to have made it this far.For the poster who said "Please, check http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/team/profile.html?team=GHA
You will find how wrong your statistics are".
I would like to know which statistics you are referring to? The previous poster said Ghana had 2 world cup wins. In fact, they do, and both came during the current cup, which is the only one they have ever participated in.
Learn how to read.brasil is simply playing responsible soccer. all they care about is a win and moving forward. after they have control of the game there is no need to play agressive and risk injury or getting yellow cards which have been ridiculous in this world cup. brasil needs to plan ahead unlike teams who are just happy to have made it this far.brasil is simply playing responsible soccer. all they care about is a win and moving forward. after they have control of the game there is no need to play agressive and risk injury or getting yellow card which have been ridiculous in this world cup. brasil needs to plan ahead unlike teams who are just happy to have made it this far.was any of you watching the game. brazil was just give the gave. they did not play to win, thank to poor ref and bad lineman yes the brazil team win, this brazil team looks like trash.Mark, Brazil is not dominant - that is true, but what team is, at this point? Mexico scared Argentina, Italy looked clueless, and Holland are out. Germany has not played anyone as yet.
Ghana is a much better team than we thought - skillful and very tough, so we should give Brazil credit for dispatching them. BTW, Dida is a part of the team as well.
Why highlight Ghana's misses and not Brazil's? You are saying Ghana's poor finishing let then down. What about Brazil's? As far as chances went, they are equal.
Finallly, Adriano's goal was offside, but what about the early offside call on Ronnie that was NOT an offside?
I am a Brazil fan, and I am nervous, because the defense is indeed suspect. But they have very much taken care of their business so far. Let's see what happens next.Brazil has the best defence but I for one think they suck. Argentina for life.It's truly sad to hear people with negative comments towards a team that plays the game the way it is supposed to be played! It wouldn't surprise me to hear "Americans" saying, "Well, if they are so good then why aren't they beating evryone 10-0?" Well, here's what they have done: They have not lost a world cup game (yet), they have managed to be in control of not only the score but also the possession of the ball, and lastly they really heven't been challenged yet. When they finally play a team that will give them a run for their money then you will see the "magic" that everyone is talking about. Brasil plays like veteran champions. Brasil plays soccer the way it is supposed to be played and when they play it looks much like a symphony, hence "the beautiful game". That name came from the "way" Brasil plays soccer......Totallly agree with the poster at 3:41:
"so many people take the stance against Brazil. Like it is the popular thing to do this world cup."
No one wants to admit that they are better and keep trying to find flaws where there isn't. Maybe they are not doing their best at "blah blah bla", but one thing they are the best at... and that is SOCCER.
Like it or not. So let's stop being so envious.Brazil could never have won if Essien played today. It makes one wonder why FIFA doesn't allow the second round to begin afresh. Essien is the hub of the Black Star. If he played, the first goal wouldn't have been scored. Remember, the second goal which drained Ghana psychologically was a bad one (offside). I hate the Ghana team because they kicked the US out of the competition but truly they are a great side. They played better soccer than the Brazillians. Ghanaian should be proud of their team. Essien is the saddest man on earth today!Could it be that Brasil just respected a worth team from Ghana? Could it be that they played only to the level they needed to play? They had calls in their favor, sure, but Ghana stepped up to NONE of its opportunities. No need to rile up a very physical Ghana team, and risk losing valuable players to a team with nothing to lose. Vai firme BRASIL!It wouldn't matter if we had the stars of 1970 on the pitch, as the team is a vintage Parreira team, they would lack flair... that is simply his characteristic- futebol de resultado (result-oriented football). The bottom line is, 3x0 for Brazil. If people want to get picky about whether this goal was offside, or this one was luck, remember: Italy got through on a questionable call, the referee for the Portugal-Holland match even tried to send of the police dog, England got through on a gift from Becks, and Argentina are through because Maxi hit a one-in-a-million shot in added time. Switzerland are out because they can't hit penalties. Germany score a two-nil win and everyone claims utter and complete domination. Only one match thus far has ended with a three-goal margin in the knockout stage, and the foreign press claim it's not enough, because the victory didn't resemble a Nike advert (What did Eric Cantona ever win at the international level anyway?!?). I don't care if Brazil win 1x0 ever match from now on- as long as we win.What other team so far has won a 2nd stage match in such a convincing fashion. Take the missed finishes and all the other things that happen in a game and still Brazil came out on top. Whichever way it's argued the team that executed won.BRASIL IS THE DREAM TEAM OF SOCCER MY FRIENDS!!!Ghana played a great game. Remember, the Black Stars are the Brazilians of Africa. Ghana would have won easily if Essien played.Brazil hasn't been challenged by a strong team yet, when that happens Brazil will show the world the true meaning of "Jogo Bonito". Good luck world!
Brazil six times champions!!!BRAZIL is the best team in the world,has the best players and holds all the titles...IAM SO PROUD TO BE FROM BRAZIL!!!!Do I need to say more?We will win the Wordl Cup...simply because we are the best soccer in the world.BRAZIL is the best team in the world,has the best players and holds all the titles...IAM SO PROUD TO BE FROM BRAZIL!!!!Do I need to say more?We will win the Wordl Cup...simply because we are the best soccer in the world.I love Brazil and they are THE best team out there! Winning is all that matters and we did it!!!!!!There is no Ghana,Argentina,Italy,Spain,France,Germany that can beat BRAZIL. Simple as that.I do think brazil could have played better.
But how can you say they aren´t favourites anymore???
They won every match so far and have done it easily. They know what they're doing.
To write an article underestimating a 5 times champion is a big mistake. Something americans are used to making.
p.s.: France 2 X Spain 1. Need I say more?15 goals in World Cups for Ronaldo (record);
201 goals scored by Brazil in World Cups (record);
5 TIMES WORLD CUP CHAMPION (record).
Please, have some respect. Or at least wisdom.i hope the french crush brazil like in 98... ha hahah!
i'm still getting over brazil cheating Belgium and Turkey in 2002.........I quite honestly can't believe I am reading this. Brazil wins 3-0, and we're left to ponder "what is wrong with Brazil?"
Is Italy facing the same level of criticism for squeeking by lowly Australia 1-0, winning on a dive in the penalty box right before overtime? What would we hear about the Brazilian team had they tied the US 1-1? How about the Argentinians, who are constantly regarded as "the most complete team of the tournament", not having the easiest time with Mexico, which is not and will not be a major soccer nation for quite some time. How about England beating Ecuador by only 1-0, after struggling to score all tournament and narrowly scoring against small Trinidad and Tobago?
Similar criticism wrote, after Brazil's first match, that Ronaldo must be benched. Online commentary refers to him as "the chunky striker" every time he touches the ball.
He has now scored 2 goals in his last two games, and holds the World Cup goal scoring record.
The commentators expect Brazil to control 110% of the possession to look fearsome. They don't ever think to apply the same criticism to other teams. The only thing that matters at the end of the day is being able to finish. And Brazil does it quite well.for a team that was supposed to win the world cup with ease, Brazil sure had a lot of trouble. had Ghana had their best player and better finishing (or a less spectacular performance by the keeper) they would have won. they dominated the play most of the game and just got unlucky sometimes (ref not calling offsides at a convient time for Brazil and never missing that call for Ghana). If Brazil gives that performance again, they will be going home because everyone will play their best game against themGhana played a good game against Brazil and the refs. How could such an obvious offsides on the 2nd goal go uncalled. In fact, all of Ghana's games were refereed to stop their aggressive play. I rather enjoy their style as opposed to the soft play of most other teams. I can't stand seeing players flop to get calls, it's like watching the NBA, and I expect more from soccer players than that. Watch out for Ghana, they are no longer a secret in soccer.Mr Bechtal needs to remember the adage: "losers make excuses and winners make things happen." If the quality of the win counted for something then I would agree with him, but it does not. A win is a win. No one remembers style points.From Brazil's most famous rival in soccer, Argentina, came a comment that could easily answer the question, from newspaper 'Ole": Even when Brazil plays badly, they still win. That's it. It was an exciting game, which proves that Brazil has decisive strikers (fattie Ronaldo still rules!), efficient defenders (Lúcio has not committed a single foul this World Cup, and Dida proved to be one of the best keepers of present time), and is going its way, whether critics still criticize it or not. Ghana played bravely. Brazil won, and would have won with or without Ghana's star. What will happen next? Who knows? Next game Robinho will surely be back to substitute the old Emperor Adriano. Chances are we'll see a fantastic game against France. What if Brazil plays well? The sixth star seems brighter and closer than ever.There is nothing wrong with Brazil. They are playing as much as they need to win, saving their players and strength for the final. I think they will win this WC.Once again, I don't like this favorites must win or soccer = boring. Soccer = boring if the same teams play the same way all the damn time. Every team is an underdog until they win, honestly.
As for Brazil, they aren't the same as ussual, but I hardly think that validates a reason to put up a warning symbol. They've given up very few goals, and still scored plenty.
When they need to step up, while in the hole, I honestly think they will. It's like marathon running, save your best burst for the finish, don't waste it for the sake of putting on a thrashing show in the preliminaries.
It doesn't make sense in any sport, not just football. If they had done that, they would have just been a bunch of showy fools.What is wrong with Brazil is the midfield. Ze Roberto and Kaka played well today, but that is the extent of things. The midfield did not space out well and did not use the space that it had effectively. Ronaldinho stalled out the midfield at times, and Brazil only had prime opportunities when they attacked at the Ghana midfield and defense with quickness and diagonal passes.
Please remove Emerson and add some pace to Brazil--he is killing the midfield. In reality, he is also the one that should be stepping back and filling the space between Juan and Lucio.
Nevertheless, I think that France doesn't match up well with Brazil... we'll get our revenge from 1998....as soon as world soccer starts to award more "cards" for rediculous "acting performances" by nearly ALL professional players at this level..the sooner a "real" game might break out and teams like Italy and Brazil will be brought back to a reality level of so called skill and sportsmanship that will see them look quite "average". So tired of seeing referee's fall for the endless.."oh, I was pushed"..oh, ouch...my leg". How did any of these players ever get permission from their Mothers to be allowed to play with the "men" at all??!!!The fact is, Brazil is the best team in the world. They have the best players, the best team, the best coaching, the best training, etc. One Ghanian player, however all-star he may be, cannot change the result of a game against a powerhouse like Brazil. Brazil dominated, and although all three of their goals were close to offsides, they had about 6 or 7 other good quality chances - this game could easily have been 7-2 (if Ghana could finish thrry Henry - 2
Omar Bravo - 2
Tim Cahill - 2
Agustin Delgado - 2
Alexander Frei - 2
Steven Gerrard - 2
Andriy Shevchenko - 2
Carlos Tenorio - 2
Adriano - 2
Steven Gerrard - 2
Andriy Shevchenko - 2
Carlos Tenorio - 2
Adriano - 2who cares if one goal was offsides. I believe Brazil still won 3-0, which means if you subtract one goal, THEY STILL WON 2-0! The better team isn't who passes the best, it's the team that finishes its opportunities. Brazil finished, Ghana didn't, end of story.I don't understand. I access this site every day and I always see articles bashing Brazil. So if this 1 player did play for Ghana we wouldn't have won? Ronaldo is fat.. we didn't play our best... Kaka this, Cafu that. Come on people! Give us a break... go harrass the other teams for a change. All of you are being unfair to the Brazilian team. We do deserve credit for several reasons and all we get from the entire world is criticism. I am not saying that Brazil has played its best in all the games, but I am here to say that my team deserves to be appreciated and respected for inumerous reasons. Whoever keeps bashing the Brazilian soccer team over and over again does not understand a bit about soccer. Thanks.I cannot believe this comment. As a matter of fact, it is the finishing game that makes the difference between champions and others. Brazil its just making the job done and they are the best finishing. The make the difficult plays look easy. They also will play depending on their opponents. That could be their main weakness.the reason brasil are playing "badly" is because of the defensiveness of their opponents. it is hard to play with a team that is there to defend you always, except for this game agains GhanaI like how dense football fans can be. "France doesn't match up well with Brazil." When was the last time Brazil has beaten France? Look it up... 1992.
Sure they're old, but the French have a lot of superstars too, and they play good defense. If Brazil plays the way they did against Ghana and France plays the way they can...Brazil not only can lose, they WILL lose.What´s wrong with Brazil? The coach! As long as Parreira is Brazil´s coach, we will play that lethargic, boring and sometimes annoying soccer. Thank goodness we are too talented to overcome Parreira´s stubbornness. He insists on playing Cafu and Roberto Carlos, when CLEARLY Cicinho and Gilberto are playing MUCH better. And he takes too long to sub the players who are not doing a good job (although he changed a little bit this last match, putting Gilberto Silva in just after halftime and Juninho early in the second half).
Great to know that we will play France in the quarterfinals... I smell REVENGE!! :)so, a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ghana team could not beat a bad, lazy, lethargic, uninspired brazil...
get over it, and stop finding excuses to criticize them.See the problem with people such as Bechtel is that they constantly put themselves into positions from which it is easy to see the faults of a team. Yes, I do agree that maybe Brazil have not performed as well as compared to to their 2002 World Cup performance, but it is yet simply foolish to watch Brazil romp home three to nothing and call them, and I quote, "a team that no longer looks like a sure thing to even make it out of the quarters". Journal writers like Bechtel should really start looking at things from other viewpoints. If they had been part of the Brazil team playing in that match, would THEY have been able to step up against the immense pressure resting on their shoulders and still smash home three great goals? Face it, Brazil are a good team. No matter what people say, they win their games. Don't be so quick to lash out and criticise .Just because they are World Champions does not mean that they are perfect.Brazil played well, not great. They did not have to. They may not win the World Cup because all is possible in soccer. But they certainly deserve it. And more: Brazil not only is a great team, they are gentlemen, respectful of their adversaries and great ambassadors of fair play. And the Americans? Come on, they have come a long way and that was a well written article. But the writers' goal was precisely this... to get us reacting and writing. And he scored..., although slightly off-sideThe funny thing is that Brazil is not playing well at all, Ronaldinho hasn´t played well so far (with the exception of some great plays agains Japan), Kaka did not play up to his level today, Cafu and Roberto Carlos are playing better than their subs, and still Brazil has won four games and scored 10 times (tied with Germany for 1st) and only allowed one goal (tied with England for 1st, if memory serves me).
Weak opposing teams? England also played weak teams, and they scored only 5 times.
Argentina couldn´t win against Netherlands (with both teams playing their reserves) and went to extra time against Mexico (yes, Mexico).
Even though we are playing poorly compared to our potential, I don´t see any team playing better than Brazil.
Soccer is full of surprises, but I feel we will be adding a sixth star to our shirt on July 9th.
Imagine what will happen when Ronaldinho starts to play well, Kaka plays a stellar game, and Cicinho gets to play again?Sorry but the Brazilian domination has been a sure thing so far. The whole point of the world cup is not to give shows to who watches it(if u want a show go to a theater or to the movies or even a concert), the whole point is to win the games and win the cup. Even so Brazil has been showing off awesome soccer who most of the other teams have not showed during the cup so far. Italy beat Ghana 2-0 and there were 2 penalties that the ref did not give to Ghana, so what do u tell me about that? Also Brazil beat Australia 2-0 while Italy got through Australia 1-0 on a penalty on the last minute that did not exist! Also plz don't tell me Argentina who barely beat Mexico is more favorite than Brazil, or Germany who barely got through their game even with 1 more player. The whole thing here is that Brazil has more experience than any other team to win the World Cup, and that alone is a huge reason for them to take the cup home again for the 6th time. I would go as far as saying that it would be even unfair if Brazil does not win this cup.Essien had a very poor game against the US. Review the tape closely and you will see how often he lost possession for no reason. In tennis, they would be called unforced errors. Much like Kaka did today - a very weak effort from him.
I find it odd when writers discount Ronaldinho's play. Watch more closely: he commands attention from multiple defenders, and never gives the ball away like Kaka and Essien (and Juninho did later in the match). Brazil would have been up 1-nil in the 2nd minute, off a perfect volley from Ronaldinho - but the linesman blew the offside call.
Ask any defender who has to play against him, Ronaldinho is the most terrifying midfield boss on the planet.
Replace Kaka with Ricardinho, and have Juninho (instead of Emerson) and Robinho out there with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, and you will see the the real Brazil fireworks, and the Ronaldinho magic.Its funny how envy will draw criticism from every pundit all of a sudden turned Sportswriter and blogger. Here is just the facts:
Brazil 5 time champions next best is on 3.
Ronaldo most goals in Fifa WC so what if he did it over 4 WC ( thats a great feat in itself).
Now look at Ronaldo's goal and tell me which one of you can coach that or do that calmly and collectively in front of opposing goal keeper at the WC. Great fight Ghana, my hat off to you. Brazil just keep doing your thing - winning and ignore the selfish critics (constructive criticism ok but w/ all of Brazil expecting nothing less than #6 that is enough pressure for samba kings)!The Seleção is the only team expected to bring magic & wonder... It is hard to be compared to the public's image of the "Perfect team". Brazil is winning all maches and will show it's true potential when it becomes necessary.Brazil played the game that they had to play to win. And they won. At the same token they haven't faced a worthy opponent YET. The Italians will give them a good run for their money. Both teams are proven winners and more importantly-COMPETITION TEAMS (unlike Ghana). Germany will beat BRazil in the finals by a margin of 2 goals...the same margin Brazil beat Germany in 2002 (then a Ballack less Germany)!!!If somehow England do beat Portugal (yes I know that's extremely unlikely) the French result could actually give us a route to the final - show me one England fan that would rather face Brazil over France!
The thing the really puzzles me though is not how Spain managed to blow it again, but when did Eugene Levy (American Pie) take over as head coach of the French team?!?
Look, don't think for one moment that England supporters aren't fully aware of the fact Portugal are overwhelming favourites for this game - but we still live in hope that England can actually produce a decent performance just once.. It's funny, sort of, but I really don't remember the last time England were convincing, even the friendly victory over Argentina had a large dose of luck about it. I reckon the last time I truly thought England played well was in their final group game of Euro 2004, since then I just haven't been convinced that they can beat top quality opposition.
Remember that 4:1 thrashing Denmark handed us last year? Well Denmark weren't good enough to make the finals, and England followed that with a 2:1 defeat to N.Ireland. Inspiring stuff I don't think.Brasil is deffinately the better team. I agree that they're not executing as well as they did in 02 but they still haven't faced any real competition. Wait until they play a team like Argentina or Germany, then you'll see why they are the champions.Some may talk about winning ugly, but Brazil are not giving fans their money's worth in this world cup. Ghana simply lacked a finishing touch, and, of course, their best player. Kaka has emerged as Brazil's most consistent player, while Ronaldo is fast closing in on him. Ronhaldinho, frankly, has failed to impress.
Overall, the team has no chemistry nor fluidity. Some have stated that they were playing defensively. This is true since they spent much of the game on their heels. They seemed unable to knock the ball around and maintain possession. If they were actually controlling the game then one could make a valid case with regards to their defensive posture, but they did not seem to be comfortable at all. The final score certainly did not justly tell the tale of this match . Further, who wants to see a boring Brazil? It's a shame that the likes of Italy, Lithuania and England will continue to lull viewers to sleep, while the Black Stars must join the rest of us suffering through their dull, uninspiring performances.
France suddenly no longer appear to be the old men of this tournament, and with the likes of Cafu Brazil certainly are no spring chickens themselves. Rather, they may well emerge as the Miami Heat of this tournament if Henry can assume a Dwayne Wade role. I believe the French have the physical strength and lethal accuracy with just enough speed on the wings (Ribery and Henry when he plays wide) to eliminate the samba boys. Admittedly, I'd written Les Bleus off, but their performance today was a spirited one against a Spanish team I felt was poised to finally live up to its potential. Hopefully, the ref for the Spain/France game will also officiate the Brazil/France encounter because he did a relatively decent job.
FOOTBALL GURUIt seems the linesmen and the whole set up of the draw always ends up favouring brazil, why is it they dont get to meet the stronger teams like argentina or germany on their way through the second round till the semi final, all the good teams have to clash against each other, and the underachievers and not so impressive teams end up in and around brazil's group.I think Brazil is coming upward, I mean, game after game they dosify the intesity of their game, just because is a month long tournament and it is no return but with the title, so, Brazil needs to keep all of their Stars healthy for the final game, even if they do not let show their magic in that final game. That is the Brazil magic, letting everybody expectant to see when will their magic shows.FIFA is an obsolete institution since it does not want to consider the only method whereby flagrant injustice would be eliminated from this otherwise beautiful game: replays with TV monitor when there is a doubtful situation, such as ocurred in Adriano's goal. This method is already implemented in USA football (not soccer) and in tennis (US Open). The intransigent attitude of FIFA leaves room for much suspicion.Oh Brazil. Always Brazil never looks good. Something must be wrong with you, because why is it that while you are saying that they are not good, they are beating people? Are you people stupid or what?This is football, no more no less. You write as though this should have gone the other way, which is pretty obvious from the get go of your tone. As though you're frustrated. The problem for you is that EVEN when Brazil has a bad day it manages a 3-0 win against a powerful underdog. So they didn't play amazing, so you count them off? You say and I quote "doesn't look like a sure thing". Is this the first time you watch a match? The talent in the Brazilian team is exhuberant and frustrating to most. "OH if only THAT guy would have been there" is your only consolation. The fact is, he wasn't and the pouding echoes its virtrues. Brazil, falters like a giant because its failures echo louder than any other nation. So I say this to you, "expert", only a fool counts Brazil out and concludes from this performance that Brazil don't look too right. A weak Brazil still holds more promise than most because when the wheels fall into place no one can stop them.There is no problem with Brazil. There is a problem with Mark Betchel and his understanding of the game. He believes that two teams were separated by one tiny thing called finishing. Well, that IS what this game is all about! The most beautiful thing in the game, as one great said, is a score. Well, there were few more things that separated the teams, say, goalkeeping. Did you mention that Brazil has perhaps the second best goalie in the final 8, (after Buffon, but Italy has nothing else)? Mark, the game, is not only about scoring, it is also about not admitting the goals. Now, are you getting the picture????
Now I can see one problem for Brazil coming - or few of them Zizou, Viera, Ribery... That will be a fantastic matchup! A replay of the 1998 final and especially 1986 quarterfinal saga - that time, it was Zico vs. Platini, now it is Ronaldo vs. Zidane...Envy dominates people, especially soccer fans. Brazil forever!Brazil will take home another world cup title...no matter what people say, at the end, they win, they play their own way, they are just good. I expected more gols and better scores, but still they hold the talent, the confidence and of course 5 world cup titles.You can dwell on the could have's or couldn't have's all you want, but the fact of the matter is Brasil won 3x0. Ghana is a great team with great camaraderie. Can't wait to see them in 2010. Brasil has been doing what it needs to do to win.Brazil has the best players in the field and better in the bench. That is the diference from the rest of the world. Do you know now why they are 5 times world champions? In the World Cup a team with only 11 players will not win at all!
Don't be foul....When the playing level starts to rise, they will rise as well.All that is wrong with the way that brazil play is that we don't understand it. It doesn't go 'by the book' that states... In order to win international football matches teams must play with strong defensive players, organised midfield and make the most of every opportunity to score. Well Brazil play in their own way... and while to us that may make them look 'flat' or 'lazy' they can afford to play with a notchalant attitude because they know they can do what it takes to win. Ghana played some brilliant football but brazil still proved that they were more than capable of defeating them even if it is only due to having more accuracy in their shots... that still makes them better doesn't it? Why do we expect fireworks from their feet everytime they step onto a football pitch?!I am really sick with people claiming that Ghana (or Australia, Croatia, you put it) 'outplayed' Brazil. Ok, Ghana played highly entertaining, but adventurous, camikaze football today. And kamikaze football comes at a price that you create scoring opportunities for an opposition, like screwing up a 40 meter offside trap three times. Ok, one goal was from offside, but two were clean. That is the difference between being 'outplayed' and 'outclassed'. Cannot get it? Stick to baseball then.The thing with Brazil is that up to now they have done only what was required to win and one has the feeling that they still can (and will)do a lot better if (and when) required. The only foe that can beat Brazil is Brazil.
Pat Element
Gaspe, Qubec, CanadaKaka was left to run up the field for the first goal because Ghana was out of position when two players needlessly pressured the Brazilians who were passing around their own box.Brazil has been lucky, they got a super easy first round, and Ghana isn't what I call a Soccer World Power. It will boil down to the semi finals, either Germany or Argentina, perhaps even Portugal will give Brazil a very nice workout, and even an elimination all together.It is surprising that on a game when Brazil won 3 x 0, with Ghana playing a childish soccer the title of this piece is "No Brazilian domination."
The clear and dangerous chances were all from the Brazilian side, except for one header by Ghana. Adriano was one-on-one against the goal keeper, when he foolishly lost ball control and got the yellow card. Ghana defense set up of playing "on-line" against the 5-time champion is naive at best.
After the score was 2 x 0, the Brazilian players clearly start saving themselves (playing training camp style) for the next game, because they realized that Ghana players can't even kick the ball on goal!
In the last 10 minutes, when Brazil stepped up the pace, 3 clear chances were created in addition to the 3 goals. So, sorry Ghana, you were actually totally doimnated. The greater possession time created an illusion, to some, that Ghana was up to something.
French time coming up. Let's see on Saturday.Brazil has done the bare minimum to get by thus far. Ronaldinho has done nothing this tournament. Ronaldo on the other hand has done a lot more than people thought--from one old, overweight player to another---well done Ronaldo. I see a great England-Brazil SemiFinal coming.If I were the Brazilian coaching staff, I would seriously consider benching Number 10 Ronaldinho, he has been virtually invisible despite that all the balls going through him. and put him on the field as a subtitute. may be he will wake up a bit. He needs to wake up more than anyone else, because he is the hub of the offense.
The brazilian team continues to sleepwalk...a little date with their former nemeses, the French, might be just the (Brazilian) cup of coffee they need.
my take on Ghana is different. they can look like a group of thugs at one minute and as ballet dancers the next. they are raw. of interest, they seem to have jelled together playing team soccer more than a lot of the other clubs, including the Italians to whom they lost...with that mentioned, I still think that they have not seen a foul they didn't like...a bit rough.Mark, what's wrong with Brazil? You mean you didn't watch the 94 World Cup when Brazil (coached by the same Parreira) always played 'ugly', defending most of the time and playing only for results? It's the same thing going on now, the team can change completely with some simple replacements as Parreira has done in the game against Japan. But he is too afraid/conservative to play the big games with that team, that's why we watched Brazil play a defensive game against Ghana today. There is nothing 'wrong' with Brazil, Parreira just changes the players to get the results he wants. "If" Essien was playing Parreira might had changed a couple of players and the result would be the same. As for the 2nd goal, Brazil would still be the winner with 2-nothing, so the ghanaians can cry foul as much as they want, it doesn't change the fact Brazil scored and they didn't.- Honey, how did the game go?
- Ah, boring... Brazil played poorly, lost too many chances, defense wasn't effective, midfield sluggish...
- What was the score then?
- Brazil 3x0...
Critics, doesn't this sound a little pathetic to you?Your ignorance is pathethic! Sorry, but Brazil only does what it needs to do in order to come up on top!
It is boring, reading game after game that Brazil is "this and that," but in the end they win and, sometimes, do it by just toying with their opponents. By the way, if the U.S. had beaten Ghana 3X0, would he be claiming that Essien would have made a difference? Stick to baseball...OK... The second goal was clearly offside...
But enough with the griping... What about the first offside of the game, when Ronaldo was 30cm onside and with a clear path to the goal, on his favorite spot, the left of the box ready to hit his trademark cross shot with his left foot and the SAME LINESMAN that missed the offside call on the second goal, raised his flag calling this one wrong...
It's a thing of the game, they get some right, they get some wrong... People always look at the calls Brazil got for them and forget the ones against them...Football matches are far too over-analysed.What's wrong with Brazil? Five stars in its yellow jersey (so far): it provokes irrational envyness in people who can not stand the idea of an admired and truely world champion.
Specially in pundits from the press who do not know a thing about soccer.Nothing wrong with Brazil! They know they are able and they play the game to get to the quarterfinals. People make too many excuses for everybodyelse, especialy for the English, but Brazil has to be absolutely perfect or it is rubbish. try to tell the English players to stop excusing themselves because is too hot or is too wet. They were even afraid of Germany and thought it was great to have Equador for the 'challenge'! Get a life and own up, Brazilians are good and the team is excellent. And yes, I hope they will win Again!!!Really, people...
Like someone said, it's the FIRST game of the knockouts, and everyone's all over Brazil and co. and making predicitons. Keep enjoying the games!
Brazil is an amazing team, I must say. Unlike most other teams, every player is a star. Of course, that can have its downsides, like that botched goal because he didn't want to pass to "O Fenomeno", but score himself. In the teamwork, spirit, and enthusiasm department, I like Germany better, even though Brazil obviously wins every time; even with a so-called "underwhelming" performance.
I am rooting for Germany, and don't doubt to see Brazil in the final. Let's see whether die Deutschen are ready for the real thing when Argentina comes to play. After that, to Berlin!If Ghana would have been healthy, they were still not deep enough to overcome a deep Brazilian team; who has alot of weapons. And once Brazil knows it can defeat its opponant, they tend to get lazy.
If you have been watching the World Cup since 1962...I must write that...No one, No one on the planet plays like Bazil!!! Half of the footwork and skills the Brazilian players display are not even attempted by half of the professionals in the world. Now, they can be beat, especially when they do not play as a team, but No one plays football like Brazil. In closing, this Brazilian team scores and then play keep away most of the time. I don't like it much, but we can only wish to do have the moves the pros do.
Saludos a todos,
Bert R., San Antonio, TXBrazil will win one more time, playing just the simple way...Who is the best striker? isn't it the one that just went for his 15th gol? As the arrogant commentators put it, ronaldo is so fat he cannot get off the floor...he can surely strike gols though!!!!All I want to say is that Brazil has been known for playing to the level of their opponents,who so far, have been relatively mediocre. Therefore, I believe their true ability is not yet realized for the purpose of comparison against other powerhouses until meeting France.Here is a translated analysis from a brazilian newspaper:
Parreira has been correct every game. In this one, first, he opted to abandon
something that he considers one of the most important things, to maintain
ball posession, so to avoid giving Ghana what they most wanted: the possibility
of fast plays, inverting from defense to offense. Parreira shrunk the field in the
vertical dimension, but enlarged in the horizontal, by keeping the team more in
the back as compared to Brasil's usual play. Although leaving Ghana closer to
our goal, it also left them without space, not allowing them to run with the ball
on counter attacks, like they did in the first 3 games.
Brasil had the worst day so far as far as individual displays, with all main middlefielders playing way below their potential. However, in the end, Brasil had complete tactical control of the game.Am I the only one who notices the frequent agony that players exhibit, only to miraculously get up and start running again a few minutes later. They roll around on the grass, holding their whatever part, and just seem to be in absolute agony. After the umpires fall to notice, off they go again. Are players taught to do that, or are they just sissies?I think these commentators need another story or lead to write about. Whenever I read the comments "What wrong with Brazil?" I want to ask them what is on their mind? What do you want to see? I think this team has played their part, let the commentators play the role of haters.Boring football. Fine, it's not a crime, and yes, goals win games. But aren't the people championing the 'we are winning, screw all the detractors' missing the point that EVERYONE used to love Brazil - or at least, to love Brazil's football? I think there is a very legitimate sense that Brazil, though they may be winning, are not playing with the skill that they themselves made the benchmark for good football. I will agree with one view expressed by the stubborn blindfolded fans who've posted thus far: no one else of the 'winners', with the possible exception of Argentina, has been playing a particularly 'beautiful game'. I may be naive, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect classy, elegant play as well as goals in the net. Should modern football's spirit, then, be just about the end result? If that's the case, what a sad, sad day for a sport that I used to consider the most passionate in the world, a sort of love affair between players, officials and fans. Come on - give us something to really cheer for.You can cry as much as you can... but Brazil will win the 6th world cup.
Have heard enough about if someone was playing the game could be diferent, if venus was aligned with pluto, Gana could win for 15-0...
C'mon guys, get those guys seated in the brazillian bench and try to win a match against then... they dont have just 11 of the best players of the world, they have people seated, waiting for a opportunity to play that are way better then the Gana team.
If they take off any of those in the field, they have people to choose! An i say a lot of then!
Accident happens, but i dont thing that will happen in this world cup.
Nobody is invencible, but remember for every rule there is an exception! Call it Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho, etc... the list have at least 23 names, choose at will...yea everyone is complaining @ the fact that brazil has been playing lazy and wat not, but imagine this, Brazil is playing lazy and still blowing teams out the water with a 3-0 or a 4-1, imagine if they played 2 their full potential. would u watch the game if u knew it was gunna b an automatic 10-0 win? no. it would b boring. so let brazil take it easy when they can, and leave their tricks up their sleave until the final. then ask, who the real champs are, and always will b. BrazilWhen even Bruce Arena argues that Essien should have been able to play, it's a real shame he wasn't able to. An already compelling game would have been one of the games of the tournament. Brazil probably would have won, but the result most likely would not have people questioning the outcome.
After France's victory this morning, building on a fantastic defensive effort both at the back and the midfield, we may finally find out if anything really is wrong with Brazil.Football ! we do it in our way... Everybody else try to do better if you can.
5 times world champions, in our way to the 6th...results are what matters! and that's it. there is nothing to complain about a team that wins 11 straight world cup matches.
* * * * *
(the one and only 5 times world champs, deal with it!)Its good to be in another level...
Even when we win, people want to see more... just think a little, do we need to prove something?
We are not that good, think about 1970 Brazil's national team, that was something.
I just dont see someone to beat Brazil.
We are just in another level...Oh, come on! "The only thing that separated Brazil from a Gana was finishing ability and a linesman's inability to make an offside call."?? What about the 3 or 4 clear scoring chances that Brazil had in the final minutes and the good job the Brazilian defense did. Hey, I'm not a Lucio fan but he's not given a single foul in 4 games!
Gana couldn't get their shots in simply because they couldn't get close to the box. They had to try from downtown and that is not going to work always. As to the offside call (or lack thereof), you take away that goal and the score is still 2 x 0. Not bad in a round of 16 with 4 scores with a single goal or less.
Alright, Brazil is not playing its best, I'll give you that. Ronaldinho has not shown up so far and we all know that Ronaldo is not in fine shape (he's still aROUND...). Can they beat Germany or Argentina in the final? That remains to be seen. But they sure could handle France in the quarter final and England or Portugal in a semi-final. And, as Maradona himself said: "Brazil can't get worse than that and they are winning! That's what worries me".Brazil always plays just enough to win; should Ghana have played better, Brazil would have played better; the only problem with Ghana was that they had no attack and no defense; no other problem; they could run a lot though ... which in soccer does not mean that much, as miles only gets credits when you're inside an airplane.What is worng with Brazil? Old players... Cicinho, Juninho, Robinho, and Gilberto Silva are much better than Cafu, Emerson, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo. It has to change!all brazil needs is to play with the team that played against Japan, with one exception...don't replace Roberto Carlos for Gilberto; but
Cicinho for Cafu
Robinho for Adriano
Gilberto Silva for Emerson
and if Ze Roberto or Kaka is not doing well, replace one of them with Juninho Pernanbucano....easy
problem solved
but still, eitherway, Brazil is defenelly the favorite to win it all.Ppl,
No Brazil, no world cup.Some ppl can only talk, but as somebody said, results count.
Some refs in this tournament used their cards like the signal changes in a road traffic(red and yellow). But comon folks, we have the best 8 teams in the tournament. Pls enjoy the sport and stop talking abt "could" "should" and "would".
It's a sport and brazil makes everyone feel that the game is so easy. Pls enjoy it.Emerson and Adriano suck. That was evident since game one. Parreira needs to insert Gilberto Silva/Juninho and Robinho. If Robinho can't go against France, Ronaldinho should be pushed up top. Also, Ronaldinho needs to play a free role like he does with Barcelona. People say Brazil was dominated. That's not true. For all of their possession, Ghana might have had two or three great chances/ or shots that weren't straight at Dida. Brazil produced 8 or 9 of those.Funny how nobody mentions the offside called made before Adriano's (Ronaldo). They were both wrong but the first one had Ronaldo with the ball by himself again and please don't say the Fat guy can't put it in the goal...You see lots of refs mistakes on the other games but this one didn't make any difference in the outcome like others did."A pretty sound beating of the US"??
If you can call undeservedly receiving a PK, and then putting six men back to prevent a game-equalizing goal a "pretty sound beating", then yeah, Ghana "soundly beat" the US.
Good grief.Ghana played excellent!!! Will be watching them closely next cup!!! Too bad they had to play Brazil so soon....They could have beat any other team!! Would be great Final Brazil vs Ghana.tell me something when brazil loses.Brazil sruggled putting a few shots in at the end... The score doesnt show the type of game either, Shoulda been about 4-1. Good matchup coming up, 98 world cup rematch.If Brazil found itself in real trouble against Ghana, the team would have played differently. Cafu wound't have tried to score and instead passed the ball to Ronaldinho Gaucho. The fact is Brazil would step up to win the game. Spain just lost to France. A France that did not play that well either. England is playing like crap and might loose the the Portuguese. Germany and Argentina will kill each other. The Italians will have to fight hard against the Ukranians, both playing poorly. Now , I only see Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and France playing a bit better than the others. Let's see what happens. My pick Brazil vs Argentina in the final.Please, Brazil is playing to win their 6th world cup. What would gain for the brazilian team to play more than they have? Risk injury? Get tired? They have to play in a few days time, their job is to win not humiliate other teams, not to increase the TV rates. With respect to the "aging" Cafu and Roberto Carlos, well...bring the wheel chairs. On the way get a hamburger for the "fat" Ronaldo. I take them anytime. Although Gilberto is really good and if something happens he can come without a problem for Roberto Carlos. Cicinho is good supporting the offense, but the only goal Brazil conceded was his fault. Now for the stupidest article I read: "Big teams make it to Cup's final eight" by AP in SI. the AP writer actually suggests that is good that most USA players play at MLS... Well, the african teams overall have done better than the USA because most of their players play abroad. It is good to learn from the best. The best are where the money are.Nothing. What is wrong with a team that is winning?I got back from Brazil and had the opportunity to watch the first round of games. This team has been incredibly scutinized by their own country to the n-th degree. They are a bunch of stars who have now played four games together and they are getting better. No other team has a 10-1 margin in goals-for and goals-against. They are 4-0. And it is true they could field 3 different teams of players and win with any of them.
Depth of talent, superstars and national pride (like no other) at stake is enough to take them to another Cup.Ghana could have won if deep down it had believed it could win. Had the opponent been a less heralded team, many of those errant shots would have found the back of the net. Even the most talented players and teams have to learn how to win the big games. Only a deeply confident team can beat Brazil. The match against the veteran French team, who will not fear them, should be interesting.This is an excellent calculation. Anyhow the result will be known by 9th July!!!!! Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, it had won the title for the last time in 1970. 1970 + 1994 = 3964 Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that only in 1978. 1978 + 1986 = 3964 Germany won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won in 1974. 1990 + 1974 = 3964 This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup 3964 - 2002 = 1962 And Brazil won the world cup in 1962 and 2002. This numerology seems to work... And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup? 3964 - 2006 = 1958 And who won in 1958? BRAZILI don't get it! Have you ever watched the pre-lims of an Olympic running event. The best runners in the world do what it takes to get to the final and in shorter events to get a middle starting lane for the final. They save their best effort for the Final. How is this different then Brasil. The took care of their business and advanced. The best in the world can afford to do that. They don't seem to be looking past their opponent, just doing what it takes.
I think you'll see a different team against France. France has won before and will need a semi-final get the best lane effort.friday's match between germany and argentina will define who will play against brazil in the finals...brazil is the best all of luck to u it is really good that they are winning becasue australia was kicked out of the compition by itali by a fake penilty so that was really meanThe bottom line is that Brzil always does what it has to do. Winning 10 to 0 or 1 to noyhing, they get the job done. One more thing. 11 match winning streak in World Cup play. Think about it. Ohhh, did I tell you they are 5 time world champs and the defending ones too?I am amazed that on a day that Ronaldo becomes the ALL TIME world cup scoring leader on a beautiful goal and Brazil wins 3-0; CNNSI headlines leads with France?
I guess Euro-centric CNNSI Football page will never change.
Maybe Europe need to be reminded that Brazil has won the Cup FIVE times.I don't know soccer very well, but it seems to me that 3-0 is a pretty lopsided score. Isn't capitalizing on opportunities what makes a good team? If a football (American) team is up 21-0, they're kicking butt, regardless of how many yards they've picked up. Am I missing something?Brasil 3, Ghana 0, that's the bottom line. Yeah, what if? What if this? What if that? What if pigs could fly. What matters is WHO was on the field today, who pounded through the Ghana lines, who scored and who was DENIED. Essien wasn't there...too bad. Geez, quit your crying about what could have been. What WAS is what counts.Ghana. Let's see...They attack with 5 to 6 guys. Defend with all. Mark their men hard. They have some good ball control and touch. But they are the typical West African soccer team. Big, strong, run a lot, and hit a lot. Remember Cameroon and Nigeria?! Some people are saying how underful they were and blablabla. They did play hard but played very naively. Mark my word, Africa is way, way, far from winning a World Cup. Dream on about South Africa. Ghana was not a turning point to Africa soccer. They are typical and have much to learn. I bet they won't even qualify next time. A good soccer team from Brazil would have more chances to score than Ghana did on this game. A bad header and a lucky shot. The rest crappy shooting. The reason Ghana got this far is because the Czechs choked and the US collapsed on their own. And if Essien was playing...Stick a good marker on him and he is done. Seen him play before and he is no big deal. When Africa can produce a team with 10 outstanding players, then they will have arrived. Not until then. Keep on dreaming.I remember reading this blog in the early days of the World Cup and the more inexperienced football fans among you were predicting Holland and Spain to go far given their great opening performances and the likes of Brazil, England and France to struggle becuase they started poorly.
Maybe now you (and I include Mark Bechtel in this) realise that early form is no indication of how the tournament will go. Spain always have a great squad, and they always start strongly but can't get past (or, in this case to) the quarters.
France have been poor but you can never discount a team with so much individual talent. The same is true of England and Brazil.Just to say that FIFA wrongly attributes a goal to Ronaldo in WC 2002 against Costa Rica. See the first goa, that was an OWN goal! Ronaldo should have 14 goals credited!
As for the game, it seems Brazil had lucky to avoid a real football power, only than will see if they were really the favorites.What is wrong with Brazi?
The won the last 11 matches in World Cup and among the 8 final contenders they are the ones with the best track record on the current tournament: 4 wins, 10-1.
Can you imagine if nothing was wrong with Brazil?At times the Ghana players almost had a starstruck "Gosh, we're playing Brazil at the World Cup...Brazil..the BRAZIL!" attitude. In one on one foul situations, heck, they looked like over-eager fans asking for autographs!I really find it humorous that all I heard from the on air experts today was that Brazil played horribly, while Ghana played superbly...Kinda strange seeing as Brazil blew Ghana out...I especially like how everyone talks about Ghana being unlucky in their shots being either off target or easy saves for Dida...Being unlucky had little to do with it. It was actually more a case of great anticipation by the Brazilian keeper, and poor finishing by the Black Stars.
It appears the mainstream media is reaching for story lines if they are reduced to bashing a team that is 4-0-0 and has outscored its opponents 10-1.The black stars were robbed period.Makeit known the Africans will win the world cup very soon, the rest of the world know that they always try to get rid of all the African teams at the first round with the help of all these so called "ref". They will can never stop the star from shinning.JOYCE BROWN Said...
FIFA should give fair referees and lines men to Africans if they want them to go far. And they should remeber that we are part of them and without African there is no world. It's shame for world champion to score offsides goals to defeat their opponent.
From: New YorkBrazil will have a hard once they play Engalnd in the semis...But the Germans will prevail...What I despise about sportswriters and the media, is that if any other team plays the way Brazil plays whether they win or lose, it would be the greatest game ever played by that team. Let Brazil win their way and they're not good anymore, they're "ripe for elimination". Does anybody see this much fuss about the France-Spain game, or better yet, Italy-Australia?The Ghanaian players deserve a lot of congrats for their performance. They play so well as a team but would have to improve on taking their chances in front of the goal post.
The referee was a total disappointment. He made a lot of wrong decisions against the Black stars especially the second goal.
Referees in general at this year's world cup have not helped the cause of the world cup. It is making it difficult for some of the countries playing good football like Australia, Ghana and Netherlands to lose out from going further in the competition.
I do not want to believe that Fifa and the referees are favoring some of the world known countries in football like Brazil and Italy.
Ghana would surely be back in 2010 and we would make sure we come to the tournament with our own referees.The Ghanaian players deserve a lot of congrats for their performance. They play so well as a team but would have to improve on taking their chances in front of the goal post.
The referee was a total disappointment. He made a lot of wrong decisions against the Black stars especially the second goal.
Referees in general at this year's world cup have not helped the cause of the world cup. It is making it difficult for some of the countries playing good football like Australia, Ghana and Netherlands to lose out from going further in the competition.
I do not want to believe that Fifa and the referees are favoring some of the world known countries in football like Brazil and Italy.
Ghana would surely be back in 2010 and they would make sure they come to the tournament with their own referees.Interesting article but Bechtel was off on two points: 1. the save of the match by Dida was CLEARLY the header just before halftime that hit his feet (not entirely sure if he was even aware of where the ball was when he kicked at it), and 2. it was HARDLY a 'sound beating' of the USA. Were it not for the typical (in this World Cup anyway) crappy officiating that game would have CLEARLY gone the USA's way. We gave just as good as we got in that game and probably should have beaten Ghana.
I agree that Brazil has hardly impressed but if this World Cup 2006 has taught anyone anything, it's that you MUST be able to finish and score the goals. All the great footwork and setup play means nothing if you can't get the ball into the net. Nuff said.just check out the comments made by olutayo osunkunle at 3:35 PM. he said it all. well done. Brasil scored early, got a good read and then used counter attacks against Ghana's naive defensive strategy.
sweet revenge is coming against france. random question: is henry dyslexic? is he trying to break the offside world record?Whoever it was that commented on how ignorant the US sports writers are when it comes to soccer is my hero today. Drama, drama, drama... if there's no drugs or brangelinaesc stories to report on, American sports writers SUCK (pardon my limited vocabulary on an adjective, but really American terms work best to describe you - oh, and I'm an American). Maybe you haven't yet realized this, but soccer is not intended to paralell Kobe's 60+ point games, or his rape charges.
Rather than basing your writing on emotional criticism (because at the end of the day, that's really what it is), maybe you want to look at the results board - numbers don't lie. Brasil's won all their matches, conceded one goal, and have effectively played each game to the degree in which it needed to win.
Finally, you are doing a disservice to other soccer teams and players who have faced Brasil, because you simply asssume that they will roll over and hand the South Americans the game on a silver platter. I applaud them (although I have no idea what the Japanese were thinking).
Get with it!
PS. Your criticism of the Brazilian fancy footwork borders on childish - afterall, isn't it what we all tune into their games for? That, and of course for me, winning the game.The prematch conferences of teh Brazilians had an impact on the ref's decisions...they called the Ghanaians violent and bullies, and in 13 minutes we had 3 cards...in the prelims we had so many unfair cards like Gyan's yellow after he and Cech both heard a whistle for the penalty...so it told on the game...any takcle was a yellow so the boys couldt play their normal game. And your report is quite biased...Essien is not a violent player.The prematch conferences of teh Brazilians had an impact on the ref's decisions...they called the Ghanaians violent and bullies, and in 13 minutes we had 3 cards...in the prelims we had so many unfair cards like Gyan's yellow after he and Cech both heard a whistle for the penalty...so it told on the game...any takcle was a yellow so the boys couldt play their normal game. And your report is quite biased...Essien is not a violent player.The prematch conferences of teh Brazilians had an impact on the ref's decisions...they called the Ghanaians violent and bullies, and in 13 minutes we had 3 cards...in the prelims we had so many unfair cards like Gyan's yellow after he and Cech both heard a whistle for the penalty...so it told on the game...any takcle was a yellow so the boys couldt play their normal game. And your report is quite biased...Essien is not a violent player.there's nothing wrong with brazil
only we expect them to play joga bonito all the time , but when you listen 2 the players they always say we are not here to entertain the fans but 2 win the cup...in the past brazil played wonderful at times and didn't win anything ..now they play realistic and we don't like ..in the end only winners will be rememberdIt was really a good display of excellent football by the Black Stars of Ghana. They outplayed, outshone and outclassed their more experienced brothers but luck was not on their side. The absence of Michael Essien affected them. It would have been one of the major upsets in the history of world football. There was also another omission in the person of the AS ROMA chap, Samuel Osei Kuffuor. He is a very experienced defender and should have been fielded for the match. I believe strongly he would have handled the Brazilian strikers with cheeky ease.He knows them well.
Nonetheless, thumbs up for Ghana and better luck next time. SA 2010 world cup definately is going to see Ghana in the Semi-finals. BRAVO!!!!!!!!!2 the one from germany !!!
ronaldo scored 15 goals in 18 games starting from 1998 till 2006
muller scored his goals when football was played in slowmotion..
i follow football for more than 30 years and i have never ever seen a player like ronaldo if he had lived 20 years ago he would have scored 30 or more....never compare pleaseI must admit that I enjoy reading the views and comments of all of you guys, whether opposition or otherwise. Its good to hear or read what everyone has to say, but no matter what, I will still go with Brazil, win or lose. I know that there are lots of folks who just can't wait to see Brazil falter, but they are still here and bent on their mission, which is to capture their 6th title. Everybody wants to see an impressive Brazil but, lets face it, did any of the opponents Brazil faced in the previous games helped Brazil lift its game to the other level? I think not, so Brazil played and beat them on their own terms, so its no wonder none of the coaches of the teams Brazil beat would give Brazil any props, even if they got their ass kicked. They all had negative things to say about Brazil and hardly gave Brazil any credit for sending them home on early vacation. Its always good for the Brazilians when they are discredited, its the motivation they need, that's what true champions feed on. Didn't everybody bash Ronaldo? now he is busy using his critics as motivation. Brazil will raise their game when they see a need for it.I have one comment for Brazil, the 2006 World Cup Champions
"GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!Gana had no chances. They don't know how to kick the ball to goal. Play quickly as they played is too easy (the boys from my school can to that) and Gana were a danger to Brazil once... Brazil were very comfortable. The hard thing is to create clear changes and score them.Brazil has the greater soccer of all time... But Germany will win this World Cup. Europeans will not allow a south-american win again. The ball was designed for Germany win. The groups were "sorted" for Germany win. The tickets were sold for Germany win. And I'm sure that referees, food etc will be managed for Germany win. I'm not surprised if something "strange" happens during a Brazil's or England's match (like an mania invasion or a false alarm on stadium).Parreira doesnt want a pretty game. He just want Brazil can be champion for the 6th time. Remember 94. Tha team hadnt a pretty footbal but was champion. Thats Parreira's Brazil. The second half against Ghana, Brazil was just spending the time waiting for end of the match. Of course, as we have great players, any time you can have a fantastic goal, or a fantastic dribble, etc.
Bené, supporter of Brazil team
from Belém (Amazon River side) Brazil.The problem with Brazil is that they stoop down to the opponents game. They don't always play to their best level. The only good game from the Brazilians was the Japan game and the 2nd team put on a better show than the 1st team in either of the 1st 2 games.
If Brazil doesn't play like Brazil, they will be in for a tough rideanother aspect of soccer that makes it the Beautiful Game is that no matter how good a team appears on paper, it is not a lock to win any game against any opponent. Why do American sports reporters always assume Brazil is untouchable and then scream fraud when they don't rout their opponents with 50 shots on goal? It must be a bias built on their cultural need to worship a superpower. Brazil can be beaten by any team in the World Cup. They are simply less likely to be beaten than any other team.Brazil verses Ghana game witnessed the birth of a new soccer powerhouse. In world soccer a country gets lucky, unless you are Brazil, and gets great players all growing up at the same time. Portugal’s golden generation has been disbanded and this is the last chance for glory for the so-called English golden generation, but yesterday we may have witnessed the birth of a new golden generation of Ghanaian soccer. For Ghana the youngest squad out of all the 32 teams in the world cup to batter the number 2 ranked Czech Republic, to comfortably beat the US team and to reduce the two soccer superpowers of Italy and Brazil to mere counter attacking football due to their own lack of possession, means we are witnessing a new force in world soccer. Ghana was Africa’s biggest soccer secret, a team that never qualified for world cups but dominated African soccer and world youth soccer. Only Egypt have more African continent titles than Ghana and only Brazil and Argentina have got to more world youth finals than Ghana in world soccer. The problem with Ghana in the past was that because they had players of such a high standards they tended to play for other national teams. Players like French world cup winner Marcel Desially, Germany’s Gerald Asmoah, David Odonkor, Holland’s George Boteng, England’s Andy Cole, Scotland’s Nigel Quashie USA’s Freddie Adu could of all played for Ghana instead of their current national teams. This is why Ghana getting to the World Cup is more important than them getting to the next round, because the many players with Ghanaian heritage in the soccer schools of England, Italy, Holland, Germany, France and the US might now think about playing for Ghana, knowing they are capable of qualifying and competing. In fact Freddie Adu is already seriously thinking about playing for Ghana instead of the US team, then again if he isn’t good enough for the US team, what makes him think he is good enough for Ghana?
What was frustrating thing about Ghana was the fact that their forwards where not at the same level of the rest of the team. In all the games Ghana played, the strikers missed numerous chances the great midfield supplied them, which suggest their level, given the strikers play for minor European teams. Ghana seemed to be one of the few African teams that doesn’t have a quality striker playing in the major European leagues and Ghana’s poor strikers cost them. If Ghana had a Samuel Eto or a Didier Drogba as a striker, Brazil would of lost that game even if they scored 3 goals. Ghana needs to search the world for a striker of good quality or they will continue to lose in games they dominate. I suggest they go to England and get Carlton Cole to play for them. A young player has real potential but probably will not play for England regularly.Funny. Some people here actually believe that the better team is the one who dominates possession. just tell that to the australians...
Ghana was dissected and had no chance yesterday. the actual score should have been something like 5x1... that doesn't mean they're bad. they need effective strikers and a better defensive system.The only problem I have with the numerology issue, being a Brazilian, is that, if it were true, then the 2014 Cup Winner will be Uruguay- as the Tournament is scheduled to be here in Brazil, let's remember who won the last time we had it here in Brazil? I shudder to even mention...I simply must say that it's ridiculous that Brazil is facing so much criticism when they have won every game thus far. Relax folks! Sit back and enjoy them play with so much passion and joy!I'm sick of these comments about a bad brazilian team. People always forget the others' playing. I also have a request for fifa to allowed every single player who had been suspended to engage in his team's match against brazil, just to stop hairing the nonsense. Another thing, please go back and watch the previous world cups, or at least stay beside Gabriele Marcotti in order to learn how to write an article about Football.All this complaint about referees... If you play offside trap you are playing odds. Before the first goal Ronaldinho send the ball to Ronaldo right in front of the goalie, it was called offside and it wasn't. The second goal was "probably" offside but too close to hang a linesman for that. Remember, it is the position at the moment the ball is struck not when the player gets it. Overall, Ghanna played very well. The defense was very naive. Parreira's tactics to play in counter-attack and crowed the defensive line was very effective against good strikers.
Let me ask you if you would like to see the world cup without Ronaldo, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, Klose. Would their teams allow them to play if the FIFA did not make sure that the violent tackles are allowed? Remember what happened to Pele in 1966? He basically was out of the tournament due to the assault IN the field. Any 2nd grade player can injury a better player. The referee is there to protect the players from assaults like the one suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo. I have been a fan of dutch soccer for many years and I was appalled to see that kind of behavior. I cannot see myself rooting for them in the future. Ivanov failed miserably to set the rules and we had an wild west game. The referee in Brazil vs Ghana did an excellent job setting the limits right in the beginning.
All in all, this has been the best show by the referees in a world cup. Referees make mistakes and are different. A good player can and does adjust to the referee style. As long as the referee protect the players...mistakes happen.You guys around the whole world can say whatever you want but only one thing is real:BRAZIL!! Do I need to say more?Let's see, there have been 15 world cups and Brazil has 5 titles, that means we have won 33% of all the world cups EVER, this without counting everytime we were in the final. The US got knocked off pathetically while Brazil has ONLY given up 2 goals so far.
Complain all you want about Brazil, but know that WE WILL be world champions once again. =o)Brazil has a long tradition of playing down to its opponents most of the times. When the going gets rough they show why they have so many titles and "export" so many players to European teams. Some people, with very little knowledge of soccer history, write articles that lack vision and a sense of the dynamics of a tournament like the World Cup. Please, do yourselves (and us) a favor and write about something else, maybe basketball or American Football. You know nothing about soccer. How can you expect newcomers to ever stand in the way of Brazil, Argentina, Germany or Italy (not doing well this time, but still a three-time champion). Just a quick note for you Socceroos, Black Stars, Ivory Coast etc: Get a Clue and be humbler next time (if you qualify) and learn a little with the real champs.Brazil is not playing well, But they're still the world's number 1 !!!AE
I think Ronaldinho said it best. This is not a sprint it is a marathon. You pace your performance so you have plenty to give at the end. So far pretty good
pacing.
I have been watching Brasil (note the correct spelling) since 1954
when the famous Hungarians beat them then lost to Germany in the final in Bern, Switzerland.
Brasil has over the years had skill, consistency, poise, deep talent, determination, superstars,great coaching.
I am in awe of this team for 52 years and what is interesting is they are not an economical superpower but a bunch of hungry
youngsters with one vision. To play for their country's national team. Few countries have the fervor, love and desire that Brasil
has for futbol. Fewer have as good a system to develop talent.
They are the showcase for the world
to enjoy.
For this I thank them for years of great joy making futball and the WC
the greatest spectacle on earth.
AS for the critics of teams and referees not much has changed in the last 52 years. Offside is still
a controversial call, yellow and red cards are handed out and the
second guessing "if only" was also
popular the next day by spectators.
The penalty kicks after OT did change the game - you can thank that probably to TV sponsors.
So relax and enjoy the beautiful game for what it is: entertainment.
I encourage recording the better games so youngsters can learn from the best in the world.
Go Brasil !Recent Posts
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