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Brazil risk first round exit in 2014 World Cup if their form does not improve, warns Romario
The former striker is unhappy with the recent performance levels shown by the Selecao, and claims they could be in for a nasty shock three years down the line
23 Dec 2011 22:30:00
By Livio Caferoglu
Romario has warned Brazil must improve their form ahead of the 2014 World Cup in order to avoid risking a humiliating first round exit on home soil.
The 45-year-old, who is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever represent the South American nation, told O Globo on Friday that the current form being shown by his country could see them bow out after only the first hurdle.
"If Brazil keep on playing the football they're playing right now, they risk not getting past the first round," he began. "Today, Brazilian football is technically inferior to Spanish."
Romario has turned his attention to strictly off-the-field matters since his retirement from professional football, becoming an MP with Brazil's Socialist Party, while also taking the role of Defence against Persons with Disabilities within the World Cup Organising Committee for the finals in 2014.
However, he has been staunch in his criticism of Fifa for its handling of the showpiece event, as well as deriding their refusal to sanction free tickets for disabled persons.
"I made the request to determine whether it would be possible to guarantee a victory for our society and got a quick [negative] response," said Romario.
"Fifa has been trying to override our sovereignty, they want to tell us how to run the country. There are still deputies who think as I do."
The 45-year-old, who is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever represent the South American nation, told O Globo on Friday that the current form being shown by his country could see them bow out after only the first hurdle.
| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.71 | Draw £36.00 | Mexico £52.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.20 | Draw £42.00 | Mexico £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.15 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.70 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.80 | Draw £36.00 | Mexico £59.00 |
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"If Brazil keep on playing the football they're playing right now, they risk not getting past the first round," he began. "Today, Brazilian football is technically inferior to Spanish."
Romario has turned his attention to strictly off-the-field matters since his retirement from professional football, becoming an MP with Brazil's Socialist Party, while also taking the role of Defence against Persons with Disabilities within the World Cup Organising Committee for the finals in 2014.
However, he has been staunch in his criticism of Fifa for its handling of the showpiece event, as well as deriding their refusal to sanction free tickets for disabled persons.
"I made the request to determine whether it would be possible to guarantee a victory for our society and got a quick [negative] response," said Romario.
"Fifa has been trying to override our sovereignty, they want to tell us how to run the country. There are still deputies who think as I do."
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Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
22:00 BST
Some more from 'WELBZ': "To get my first England goal in that way, obviously I'm really delighted and it's a massive honour.
"I'm just really looking to build on that performance and get more games under my belt and more goals.
"It's something I've been waiting for for a long time. I've had a few caps under my belt and one or two starts. So, just to get the goal today, I'm really delighted."
"I'm just really looking to build on that performance and get more games under my belt and more goals.
"It's something I've been waiting for for a long time. I've had a few caps under my belt and one or two starts. So, just to get the goal today, I'm really delighted."
21:50 BST
And here are some quotes from today's goalscorer, Danny Welbeck: "It's still the same, me and Ashley [Young] playing together.
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
"We know each other's games and obviously we're training with each other day in and day out.
"So, it was really good to start up top with him."
21:49 BST
So, judging from those tweets, people aren't too confident on Portugal qualifying from their group. Who will qualify from each group? Let me know on Twitter.
21:38 BST
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
21:34 BST
Into the final few minutes with Portugal still 2-1 down to Turkey. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second ever penalty for Portugal earlier on.
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