Daddy Dunga !!!!

I have never liked Brasil as a footballing nation, much goes into it due to they beating teams which I did choose to follow or support. The first world cup that I could seriously follow was USA 94 and I had placed by bets on Netherlands and Italy. While all of my family (predominantly Brasil supporter's) rooted for Romario, Bebeto and Dunga I was rooting for Rijkaard, Bergkamp, Baggio and Donadoni. Big match players hailing from big clubs around Europe for me it was Orange or Azzuri. Sadly both of them got beat to Brasil Quarter's and Finals respectively and my hatred for Brasil took a new leaf. Zidane ensured some solace for me in the upcoming world cups out playing them twice in 98 and 2006. Both times however more than Zidane's masterclass the Joca Bonito boys were flattened by a dour French defense who were eager to get physical and stop the “R's” playing their brand of football. With Thuram, Desailly, Makalele and Didier Deschamps the Les Bleus had their defense beginning at the mid field as they completely broke down the sweet rhythm Brasil is known for. Brasil blessed with startling strikers and mesmerizing mid fielders however could not do much when the French counter attacked. Flair had lead to defensive gaps which Dunga alone could not fill and Carlos was time and again caught out of position and struggled to get back. Similar scene's were repeated in 2006 as Brasil again with a plethora of stars failed to move beyond their old nemesis. Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldo all together managed only a single shot on goal as Zidane managed to find Henry's feet to send Brasil packing.

Defending has never been a feature in Brasil's game plan, stylistic individuality and a fundamental commitment to excellence and passion has always been the hallmark of Brazilian football. When all doors seemed locked Brasil manages to unlock in in the most sublime of ways. In a game where physicality has taken over and sheer skill only matters a few feet away from the goal line, no amount of such glottalization has had any effect in the way Brasil plays. They were not afraid to concede goals provided they scored more which they did thanks to the talent they always carried around. But guess the lessons learn t from 2006 has had it effect as Dunga was brought in to tighten up the way Brasil operated. Much of the credit for Brasil wining the 94 World Cup should go to Dunga as even without the regular plethora of stars he managed to make optimum use of his unimaginative midfield. Chances were few but both Bebeto and Romario made full use when one came by. Dunga has fallen back on his own trusted way of football since taking over charge. The so called star studded midfield has been shunned for a rather effective one with Kaka at the center of it and Gilberto Silva playing a more defensive role much like Makalele did for France. Robinho and Fabiano would try and make most use of the chances created by Kaka and captain Lucio along with Maicon would look to have a watertight defense. The current formation might look ineffective but then Dunga has chosen his game plan well.

He is primarily using five players in his offensive formation: Kaka, Fabiano, Robinho. Plus the two full-backs Maicon and Michel Bastos. The other players primarily have a holding job though captain Lucio and Elano often get into attacking positions.The back four of Brasil currently are the best in the world. Maicon has been a proven player with Inter Milan this season who can run down the flanks often functioning as on alternative winger. The left flank too manned by Bastos is possibly in the best shape ever as in his current form he even out performs Carlos. The best part of the two (Maicon and Bastos) is that they seldom get caught off position and have bundles of energy. This fact was very well shown in the match against Korea where their relentless running caused quite some confusion amongst the Korean ranks. Even against a physical Ivory Coast both of them performed exceedingly well. Kaka wasn't quite his usual self against the Koreans but his assist to Elano who scored the third goal showed he was back to his best. Elano too has become an essential part in the midfield happy to fall back and assist Kaka who generally does the more penetrating job. Robinho too has had a decent start to this world cup minus the riff raff and needless stopovers, his pass to Elano for Brasil's second goal was superb. Maicon's goal, scored off a near-zero angle, was as much a triumph of ambition as of imagination: ambition because from that narrow angle, even the best would settle for a good cross, imagination because the Brazilian right full-back foresaw the possibility of that shot.

Brasil seems to have a system going for them and in the middle players do fit in perfectly, otherwise who would think of leaving out Ronaldinho.

No Joca Bonito for Brasils Dirty Harry. For hims its Guts and Glory.