Ugly football, Brazil’s technique at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
The match between Brazil and North Korea was probably the less amusing one of the 2010 World Cup competition until now, as both sides made big mistakes, and were very inefficient in front of goal. Especially in the first half, the CONMEBOL champions were deeply poor; with a bunch of shots which flew wide, and bad passes.
Brazil stole 2 second-half goals on 55 and 72 minutes, but JI Yun Nam took a consolation for his country on 89 minutes. This disappointed most Brazilian fans back at home, nevertheless, Coach Dunga and his soldiers didn’t seem to be much bordered by their display.
“All the players played well (against Korea DPR). Maicon in particular was outstanding and Robinho also played very well,” said Dunga.
Striker Luis Fabiano also affirmed his manager’s statement by explaining that positive results or 3 points were far better than wonderful performances with no reward. According to him, ugly football was not a deficit among the players of the team, but rather, it was a tactic to be victorious, eventually.
"If it is necessary to play dirty to win, we’ll do it. What counts at the World Cup is to win,” he revealed.
Terrible statistics against Korea DPR – Brazil ready for Côte d’Ivoire?
Brazil were totally in control against Korea DPR, but although they designed the game during the 90 minutes, they were only able to triumph 2-1. Below, we take a look at the game’s statistics from the prospect of the South Americans.
Shots: 26
Shots on goal: 10
Goals scored: 2
Corner kicks: 7
Free-kicks: 9
Offsides: 3
Yellow cards: 1
Actual playing time in minutes: 47
Possession: 63%
These are indeed horrific statistics on the part of Brazil. Their situation seem to become more dangerous after knowing that Korea DPR, who had only 3 shots on goal and 37% of ball possession, still managed to beat Julio Cesar.
Perhaps Dunga’s men will be begged by their supporters to find back their devastating form which gave them their golden name in football. Surely, nothing is over presently, and fortunately, the Samba Boys find themselves at the top of Group G despite their ugly football against the Asians. Yet, one should not underestimate the Ivorians who went for a 0-0 draw against Portugal on June 15; as the deadly Elephants were much more aggressive and impressive than the 2009 Confederations Cup title holders.
Certainly, when it comes to defending, it is unnecessary to remind readers of the average weight of Ivorian players which helps them in knocking opponents off the ball without referees punishing them for illegal fouls. In addition, Côte d’Ivoire have other benefits – this time around – in attack, as the likes of African Footballer of the Year Didier Drogba, Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, French Ligue 1 star Gervinho, and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure are all anticipated to be lined-up against Brazil.
Although the Brazilians might be favorites subsequent to their own stars and the history behind them, the game is definitely not expected to be designed by a single side. With Côte d’Ivoire using pace and strength as their two major weapons, Brazil should normally be incapable of playing ugly football to survive. Still, they will have only one important option: to win anyhow.
But this can only be done by being at their best, in the case were they fail to impose their slow and weak 2010 World Cup style over the giants of West Africa. A win for Brazil will automatically send the South Americans into the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s round of 16, while anything less than a positive outcome for Côte d’Ivoire might cut the Africans’ chances of getting ahead of Portugal in Group G’s race for a second and final last 16 stage qualification.
