World Cup favourites Brazil

THERE was a moment in the second half of Brazil’s game against the Republic of Ireland, at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday, that showed what the team have become under their pragmatic coach Dunga. By then, Brazil were in control and when centre-back Juan won another challenge with Kevin Doyle, it seemed nothing more than a routine moment.

In challenging for possession Doyle lost a boot and after the ball had been cleared, he turned to retrieve it. Juan noticed the forlorn footwear and smashed it out into touch. Doyle couldn’t quite believe what he had seen.

Dunga’s Brazil are strong and committed, they work hard and defend well. As Juan crassly reminded us, making friends is not a priority. He took as much notice of Doyle’s annoyance as the coach did of the fan with the ‘Dunga, why not Ronaldinho?’ banner. They aim to win.

The feeling is that Dunga won’t take Ronaldinho to the World Cup, preferring the team-orientated creator, Kaka, and Dunga is in a Brazilian minority that believes a team can have too much creativity. Not only Ronaldinho but even Pato and Diego may not make Dunga’s World Cup squad. Brazil are not overloaded with brilliance but in Dunga’s scheme, the more prosaic qualities are valued.

They were well matched by the Republic in the first half but once the Irish began to tire, Brazil’s strength and skill began to tell and a two-goal victory could have been four or five.

With Spain, Brazil deserve to be World Cup favourites. What is certain is that they will be a very difficult side to beat. Equally certain is that Dunga’s way will not meet with unanimous approval, certainly not in his home country.

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