Group G's first matchday will face one of the deadliest squads in this competition against Korea's rookies, whose only competition in a World Championship left quite a bitter aftertaste 44 years ago. The Brazilians have performed in every competition and the weight of experience might crush upon Kim Jong Hun's squad. Much more than three points will be in play in a group that might surprise everyone. Dunga's confidence is sky high: it's been 76 years since Brazil lost a debut match in a world championship (back in 1934 against Langara's Spain), having won 14 games and tying on two occasions.
Don't stop dancing
Much has changed for the Verdeamarelhos under Dunga's command, but the level of their football has retained their characteristic superiority against almost every opponent. After a harsh beginning in the qualifying stages, Brazil claimed the top of the CONMEBOL Qualifying Stages having scored 33 goals while receiving only 11.
The main characteristic of Dunga's strategy is the consistency and interaction between all eleven players. Julio Cesar's gloves secure Brazil's goal, and their defense is one of the toughest ones in South Africa. Lucio and Luisao are the kind of player every coach ever fantasizes with, providing security in the back line, quality in their shots and most importantly, absolute aerial's leadership. Maicon has been a key player for Internazionale to claim three titles in the last season, having relegated Daniel Alves to the bench. Alves declared he can assume every position in the field; a player of his level is not used to watching the match from the bench, and particularly not one as prolific as Alves, whose finesse as a gunner has been fundamental for the Verdeamarelhos to reach this stage as one of the favorites.
Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo will have to act as bridges between Brazil's defense and their efficient strikers. Kaka has to shadow the many doubts arisen after his poor performance with Real Madrid, while Elano (Dunga's favorite as it seems) will have to demonstrate he actually deserves a place within the starting eleven. These four players offer Brazil everything that could be asked: speed, technique, stamina and a deep understanding of what football is all about. Brazil's 4-4-2 formation might be lacking the presence of an offensive lighthouse, someone to make all these stars play at their best, but against Korea it seems they will be able to find their spaces themselves.
If all of this was not enough, Robinho and Luis Fabiano's sheer weight in the last meters of the field might prove determinant. Thanks to Robinho Santos conquered its first Paulista Championship in over 20 years when aged only 15. Now, with 11 additional years of experience he managed once again to lift the title with its team. Luis Fabiano has been Sevilla's monster, scoring 15 goals in only 22 matches. Nonetheless both players have always performed better for their countries than their clubs,
Robinho has been part of Dunga's strategy from the very beginning, missing only the last three qualifying matches, when Brazil's ticket four South Africa was already secured. In 73 matches with the Verdeamarelho Robinho scored 26 goals. The last friendly matches have shown Robinho's best, scoring three goals in two matches and demonstrating he is going through a renaissance back in his home club.
The unknown Squad
Between 1950 and 1953 Korea was caught between the interests of the two world potencies of the Cold War, and from such clash of interests South Korea and North Korea were born. South Korea became a presidentialist republic while their northern partners took on socialism. Only 13 years after its creation, North Korea qualified for 1966's world championship, but from that moment on something has kept the country from participating again in world's toughest competition. 40 years of experience, training and determination should have seriously strengthen their confidence, though they'll have to face a giant on such a promising debut.
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As always, there's a figure that offers hope and something to hold on to team's followers, and this time it's Jong Tae-Se (considered for some as the Asiatic Rooney). Owner of an endless stamina and a miraculous right foot, this young striker declared they have a "spirit similar to the Germans. We're brave, we can defeat Brazil". but this will prove to be an herculean task. Luckily Tae-se will count with Hong Yong-jo assistance, team's captain and top striker. He is one of the few players that play outside Korea, in a squad where 85% of the players come from their own domestic league. Thanks to him Kim Jong-Hun can adopt a 4-5-1 formation, which might vary to a 4-4-2 formation when needed thanks An Chol-Hyok's offensive firepower, scorer of 7 goals in 17 matches.
44 years ago, Korea eliminated Italy and had Eusebio's Portugal jeopardized until the last minute, and it would not be wise not to take them for granted, as little is known about their players in the western hemisphere. Their wits have already been shown when team's coach named within their three goalkeepers Kim Myong-Won, who performs regularly as a striker for Amrokgang, as he did during the three matches in which he wore his Team's National Football colors.. Nevertheless he would only be able to play as a goalie, as a recent FIFA declaration assured.
Little is known about North Korea, and their first match will face them against a team as fearsome as one can be. Will they be able to weave their mysteries around Brazil's intergalactic players?
