Bridge'srightfoot wrote:Ecuador v Switzerland has been entertaining to watch aswell.
Every game so far has been good with a couple of brilliant end to end games. Heck even England played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Really reignited a lot of people's passion for international football and has shown why the World Cup is definitely in my opinion, the best competition out there.
It's quite disappointing that every South American country plays different, non-European, skilful entertaining football, with the exceptions of Uruguay (no change there) but also the very country we used to associate with 'Jogo Bonito' - Brazil!
It's like their 1982 experience has scarred them so badly, they will never attempt to play that way again. A succession of coaches like Zagallo, Dunga and Scolari has continued to turn Brazil into a drilled, European side. Years ago, the typical Brazilian player would be someone lithe, languid, balletic, someone like Zico or Socrates, or Rivelino and Pele. Now, when I think of a typical Brazilian player, I think of someone built like a brick outhouse, muscles rippling out of the shirt, someone you want on your side as a defensive midfielder or defender, but not a country I particularly look forward to watching in international games anymore. Yes they've won 2 World Cups without brilliance, and the most recent 'beautiful game' team, Argentina 06, won nothing, but anyone who still waxes lyrical about Brazil is living in the past. I thought the 2002 team was one brilliant striker who could score goals in any side, and a load of athletic but unloveable workhorses.
Such a shame. I think, let's hope Scolari doesn't win, then they'll pick someone with the traditional Brazilian skills in their heart. But I thought that when Dunga was dumped, and they've got Scolari back.
I imagine Brazil will be one of the best teams in the tournament at corners and free-kick routines, but it's hardly the stuff of which dreams are made is it?
