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World Cup 2010: Know Your Rivals - Ireland Assess Brazil's Chances
The Irish angle on Brazil.
Mar 3, 2010 2:57:00 AM
By Peter Staunton
In this special series we bring you the local knowledge of the world's leading football tournament. With our worldwide team of experts, each one based in the country in question - from Brazil to North Korea - you'll hear first-hand the latest team news, exclusive interviews and fan opinions of your World Cup opponents!
What was your overall impression of the game?
I thought it was a fairly low-key affair. Brazil were not at their most fluent while the Irish looked a little leaden footed. The South Americans were a little subdued in their tasks, content to stay in their own half and pick out the spaces afforded to them on the break. It was not an exciting, nor excitable, display from either side.
What did you think of the opposition?
Brazil are a still a top quality side but did not show too much snarl nor electricity here. Dunga has built a functioning base that rarely allows more than four players to attack at any one time. And one of those is usually a full-back. Whether they like it or not, Brazil are now a counter-attacking team, rarely looking to make their own incisions or rely on individuality to win matches. This is, perhaps, why Ronaldinho finds himself still exiled.
How do you think they will do at the World Cup?
Despite their one-dimensionality, I think they will go deep. The Brazilians will be among the last four, for certain. They may not excite people in the manner that the '70 or '82 team did but they are still strong all over the pitch. Their back-line is now a huge factor, one that may have been lacking four years ago. Dunga has a gameplan and while it may not be a neutral's dream, it will be effective in South Africa.
How did this game help your team?
Not much. It was the type of fixture that would have benefited the likes of Keiran Westwood in goal and Leon Best, from the start, up front. Instead, the old guard of Shay Given and Robbie Keane notched up another cap. Paul McShane toiled again in vain. Replacements need to be sought, options need to be sourced. It did show the continued improvement of Glenn Whelan though; a good midfielder, no doubt.
Was the result a fair reflection of the game?
No. Brazil should have won by two or three more goals. Robinho could have had a hat-trick, Maicon was dangerous and Nilmar and Grafite were sharp too.
Get all the latest World Cup news with Goal.com's dedicated page.
What was your overall impression of the game?
I thought it was a fairly low-key affair. Brazil were not at their most fluent while the Irish looked a little leaden footed. The South Americans were a little subdued in their tasks, content to stay in their own half and pick out the spaces afforded to them on the break. It was not an exciting, nor excitable, display from either side.
What did you think of the opposition?
Brazil are a still a top quality side but did not show too much snarl nor electricity here. Dunga has built a functioning base that rarely allows more than four players to attack at any one time. And one of those is usually a full-back. Whether they like it or not, Brazil are now a counter-attacking team, rarely looking to make their own incisions or rely on individuality to win matches. This is, perhaps, why Ronaldinho finds himself still exiled.
How do you think they will do at the World Cup?
Despite their one-dimensionality, I think they will go deep. The Brazilians will be among the last four, for certain. They may not excite people in the manner that the '70 or '82 team did but they are still strong all over the pitch. Their back-line is now a huge factor, one that may have been lacking four years ago. Dunga has a gameplan and while it may not be a neutral's dream, it will be effective in South Africa.
How did this game help your team?
Not much. It was the type of fixture that would have benefited the likes of Keiran Westwood in goal and Leon Best, from the start, up front. Instead, the old guard of Shay Given and Robbie Keane notched up another cap. Paul McShane toiled again in vain. Replacements need to be sought, options need to be sourced. It did show the continued improvement of Glenn Whelan though; a good midfielder, no doubt.
Was the result a fair reflection of the game?
No. Brazil should have won by two or three more goals. Robinho could have had a hat-trick, Maicon was dangerous and Nilmar and Grafite were sharp too.
Get all the latest World Cup news with Goal.com's dedicated page.
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