Brazil vs Ukraine Match Preview
William Mbaho, Oct 11th 2010
Brazil expected to maintain winning form against Ukraine

Mano Menezes may have found a winning formula for Brazil
Brazil play Ukraine in England on Monday. The Brazilians have been in excellent form of late, having recently defeated Iran and the USA. The Ukrainians are desperate to improve after drawing Canada 2-2 at home this week.
The South American side look dangerous and are scoring goals for fun these days. Coach Mano Menezes has turned the team around, emphasizing a return to scoring instead of being overly defensive like his predecessor.
Menezes has seen his side perform with style and determination against tough teams like the USA and Iran, and overcome both in the past few months. Brazil will leave any major squad changes to their opponents, who will be mulling over what went wrong in their draw at home against Canada.
If the Ukraine was too relaxed in that match, Brazil will only need to shift a few gears to score against the nervous European side.
Ukraine will be hoping for a draw, but expect to see them push forward cautiously. The team will know Brazil won’t waste chances to score with the slightest possession.
Manager Yury Kalitvintsev is trying to build a team for the 2012 European Cup Ukraine will co-host with Poland. The Russian coach knows his squad have more experience than the sides Brazil have played lately.
Ukraine captain and star striker Andriy Shevchenko will urge his teammates to calm their fears with experience, and play as a unit. The team’s European Cup campaign is Shevchenko’s last in international competition, after he announced his plans to retire after 2012.
Brazilian striker Adriano is another striker who may not have time on his side, but will be looking to make his case for inclusion in the side. Brazil have long-term expectations, and are openly reconfiguring a team for the 2014 World Cup it will host and expects to win.
Brazil vs Ukraine Match Report
William Mbaho, Oct 12th 2010
Brazil outshine Ukraine 2-0 in England

Brazil coach Mano Menezes is rewarded against Ukraine
Brazil beat Ukraine 2-0 in the cold English fall weather. The South Americans displayed magnificent finishing and fluid play to defeat Ukraine.
Manager Mano Menezes has selected a youthful and unbeatable side. Ukraine missed chances in the first half that should have given the lead, but luck was on Brazil’s defensive side. The same cannot be said for their swift and well-executed counter attack.
A cross from captain Robinho across goal was met by Dani Alves who volleyed it past helpless keeper Andriy Dykan in the 25th minute. Alves scored against Iran in Brazil’s last game, and so did Alexandre Pato, who was not going to be outdone against Ukarine.
Pato swerved to find goal in the 64th minute and extend Brazil’s lead.
Menezes’ side look unstoppable, rain or shine. They have now beaten teams from Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Brazil are no longer the same side the world saw last summer. Bring on the Copa America should be the rallying cry now in the team dressing room.