A day of reflection for Brazil

Written by Joe Kent , 27.06 11h00

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The Brazilian Selecão spent yesterday recuperating at their Lerbach Castle base following their somewhat uninspiring victory over Australia yesterday (Sunday). The team also took the time to give their reactions to the match:

Captain Cafu claimed he has not been surprised by the way things have gone so far, and that the team had always known their first games would not be easy. He went on to acknowledge that, “against Brazil teams tend to enter the pitch with great motivation; they play a very closed game because they know if they give us space we have four players up front who can make a difference.”

Lucio is happy with the way things are shaping up in defence, traditionally an area of weakness for Brazil, and feels that victory in the early game is fundamental to building and marinating confidence. Roberto Carlos, Emmerson and Juan (amongst others) were also quick to praise Brazil’s defence as the team has now gone four games without conceding a goal. Juan went on to admit that, “Brazil must get better with every game and against Australia this has already happened. Our first objective has been met - that was to reach the quarter finals.”

In response to criticisms that Brazil are not playing their ‘beautiful game’ Zé Roberto came to their defence arguing that, “Against Australia we demonstrated that the team is going through a period of growth. It proves the tactical changes made by Parreira have been fundamental. Our goal is to get better not to provide a spectacular show and loose.”

Adriano and Ronaldo both reported feeling things had gone better, both personally and as a team, and were in agreement with Ronaldinho in their belief that Brazil can continue to grow and develop on the pitch.

Kaka, with his usual eloquence, spoke of an improved performance, “Against Australia there was a great improvement: In every aspect; physically, tactically, even in the condition of individual players. The team defended well and created a variety of opportunities.” He is confident that Brazil will do well in the quarter finals.

The player’s comments were reported on the CBF website and words are by Joe Kent.

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