Brazil wishes to continue its raging race for the title against an African rival keen to stay competitive
Being the only leader of their group, the Brazilians are already laughing at everyone on their angry advance. Felipe Melo & Kaka blamed the passive role of the Koreans for their suffered triumph against a comparatively simple rival. "This match will be different, for African teams are far more offensive. We'll do it better than ever" he said. Didier Drogba's fearless recovery from an injury in his arm on record time will spice up Sunday's hottest match at the Soccer City.
"We must cease Brazil from making its play. They must play in a compact formation, all together & fight for every ball" were Salomon Kalou's words a few days before the debut match against Portugal. Lille's Gervinho was the most dangerous man in the work of the debut match, & will probably join Drogba in the last meters, as long as Elephant's historic top striker fully recovers for this decisive clash.
A fearless journey With 43 goals in 66 matches wearing its National Footy Team colors (& 44 in 52 matches with Chelsea), Didi's presence could alter Sven-Goran Eriksson's point of view of the match, as the Brazilians showed lots of defensive issues against Korea. Chelsea's striker could become their offensive lighthouse, to take fully advantage of the overwhelming capacities of Bakary Kone & Gervinho.
Elephant's defense will also pose an issue to the Carioca squad, for the physical advantage & expertise of players like Yaya Toure & Didier Zokora among others can pose an issue to Dunga's squad, as long as Kaka does not take command of the Verdeamarelho's cruise.
Cote D'Ivoire has seldom tasted a defeat in an official match in the last two years, claiming the top of their group with 8 victories & 4 draws. Without a victory their chances of joining the Best Sixteen will greatly diminish, as long as there is a winner between Portugal & Korea. The advantage of playing on comparatively familiar ground might be determinant for this clash. Didier Drogba versus Julio Cesar, who will be the winner?
Back to the roots
In spite of obtaining positive leads to the work of the last years (Claiming last year's Copa The united states, with a solid qualification for this championship), Dunga's process has always been criticized, not only by the choices made but also regarding the inconsistency of his formations. Team's debut match against Korea took fully advantage of the Elephant's draw, & now the top of the group will be jealously guarded by the Brazilians, who are aware a victory will secure a ticket for the Knockouts of this competition. A sounding victory against the African squad might erase all these doubts from Brazil's future, but Drogba's team will be a hard nut to crack.
From the left side came most of Brazil's dangerous situation in the work of the debut match. Robinho was unstoppable in the last meters, & although he had no chance of tasting the net on his own, the depth of his assistances were determinant for Brazil to claim the four points. The king of the step overs was electric & angry: Kolo Toure & Emmanuel Eboue will have a check of fire against who appears to be Brazil's most dangerous striker.
Joining Robinho in the offense, Michael Bastos has shown why Dunga decided to go with him in lieu than an uncomfortable Dani Alves from the left side. A clear successor of Roberto Carlos, Michael Bastos was omnipresent on the field & was also responsible for taking Brazil's free kicks, Elano's duty in the work of the qualifications. A heavy gunner with countless stamina & an intense desire for the net, he & Maicon offer Brazil a point of view no other team has in this competition.
If Kaka does not show some signs of improvement in the work of the first half, Rome's Julio Baptista might take his place, as The Beast have much to do to sharpen team's offensive. Regarding this matter, Baptista declared last Friday "He's been working hard with this group. Dunga does not require continuous alter, he wishes stability", but this will matter as long as the Verdeamarelho are not as lost as they were against the Asian rival.
Group G
Match: 29
Date: 20-06-2010
time: 20.30
Vanue: Johannesburg - JSC
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