There is some summer football, though not a big tournament such as The World Cup or the Euro's it is still welcome all the same. The tournament opened on Saturday, the first match a mouthwatering tie between Brazil and Japan. Hosted in Brazil it is very much a warm up for next years World Cup for both the team and the country. There is no doubt that the Brazil team is packed full of talented youngsters, very much a work in progress but you do get the sense that they have something to make up for with regards to the disappointments and lack of flair and fantastic football you normally associate for the last few years. Many Brazillians admit they've been unhappy with how the team has been managed and how defensive their teams play was in the World Cup three years ago. A new era now and it is certainly exciting, really hope to see the Brazil I remember as a child/young teen again. Some oversights with regards to player selection, Ramires not picked apparently due to attitude but will be a miss having lit up Stamford Bridge and the Premier League last season. Similarly Rafael da Silva is still in the dog house due to the Olympics, he's just enjoyed an outstanding season and can't see how it is justified leaving out such a talented player.
Japan too have a talented squad of players, all of whom will have improved and developed since the World Cup. Many of them are playing in Europe and a good few in top level leagues also. Keisuke Honda, is a player that I am particularly eager to see. He lit up the World Cup and has great ability and technique with a dead ball. Very familiar with Shinji Kagawa who had flashes of brilliance for United last season and whom I loved watching play for Dortmund.
Participating Nations
Fixtures- http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/index.html
Brazil vs Japan
Starting Teams:-
Brazil- Cesar; Marcelo, T.Silva, Luiz, Alves; Gustavo, Paulinho, Oscar; Neymar, Fred, Hulk
Japan- Kawashima; Nagatomo, Konno, Yoshida, Uchida; Hasebe, Endo; Kagawa, Honda, Kiyotake; Okazaki
Brazil couldn't have wished for a better or rather more beautiful start. Neymar opened the scoring after just three minutes with a fantastic effort. Ridiculous strike, taken on the half volley with power right into the top corner. It was so early to concede and a real early blow for Japan. Recently read on a forum that they, though talented the Japanese team have a real problem with confidence and a very poor win record of matches they go behind in.
The stunning 50,000 seater stadium in Brasilia was awash with colour. The cameras picked out a number of flags, banners and colourful fans. The vibrant yellow of the Brazilian kit and flag is so striking and makes you smile. It was not all happiness and light from Brazilian fans they let their discontent show at times! Tensions to a degree as there has been heavy strike action in the city itself and throughout the country. In terms of the football side the Brazilians are often hard to please. Funnily, Luiz after the match commented that the discontented fans were akin to angry parents.
Brazil were relentless in the first half. Oscar really stood out, his pace and clever runs never stopped being a problem for the Japanese defence. I was very impressed by Oscar, looks a real star and it is difficult to believe that he is so young. He pulled out the tricks yesterday and also worked very hard for the team. His perfectly weighted pass to assist Jo was my favourite moment of the game. He played an interesting role in the game, seemed to be everywhere and freed up a-lot of space for forward players Neymar and Hulk. Neymar of course stood out too, first for his goal and also his dribbling and mazy runs- he looks full of confidence at the moment. It was a nice touch for it to be Jo who scored the third goal of the game. It sealed a dominant win, it was great to see how much it meant to him after a fairly lengthy spell away from his national team. Brazil scored early again in the second half, a Paulinho strike on the 48th minute. Around the hour mark Brazil had a little slump and the fans were urging them on. They were holding back a little too much in going forward and not moving the ball as quickly. Japan took a bit of confidence from this and had a period of good play. However they did not create too much, they struggled creating chances all game really- Cesar didn't have many saves to make. Their most positive spell when player Ryoichi Maeda came on. Good on the break, they were a little light weight and it looked like they struggled with Brazils strength, fitness and pressing. Brazil were impressive in terms of their players individual skill but also the sides organisation as a whole. The latter is very much something you associate with Scolari's teams. They had a-lot of possession in deep areas.
Brazil were relentless in the first half. Oscar really stood out, his pace and clever runs never stopped being a problem for the Japanese defence. I was very impressed by Oscar, looks a real star and it is difficult to believe that he is so young. He pulled out the tricks yesterday and also worked very hard for the team. His perfectly weighted pass to assist Jo was my favourite moment of the game. He played an interesting role in the game, seemed to be everywhere and freed up a-lot of space for forward players Neymar and Hulk. Neymar of course stood out too, first for his goal and also his dribbling and mazy runs- he looks full of confidence at the moment. It was a nice touch for it to be Jo who scored the third goal of the game. It sealed a dominant win, it was great to see how much it meant to him after a fairly lengthy spell away from his national team. Brazil scored early again in the second half, a Paulinho strike on the 48th minute. Around the hour mark Brazil had a little slump and the fans were urging them on. They were holding back a little too much in going forward and not moving the ball as quickly. Japan took a bit of confidence from this and had a period of good play. However they did not create too much, they struggled creating chances all game really- Cesar didn't have many saves to make. Their most positive spell when player Ryoichi Maeda came on. Good on the break, they were a little light weight and it looked like they struggled with Brazils strength, fitness and pressing. Brazil were impressive in terms of their players individual skill but also the sides organisation as a whole. The latter is very much something you associate with Scolari's teams. They had a-lot of possession in deep areas.
All in all it was a very good opener and plenty of exciting football on show. The tournament I hope continues in the same way that has it has done in the past with teams out to entertain and not being so rigid/tactical. Doesn't seem to be taken so seriously and the players are able to relax and play without pressure. Remember well, some fantastic games in 2005. Bit disappointed in Japan, Brazil were just so good of course but do hope to see the Japanese team show what they've got. Hopefully Maeda starts next match too. It was good to see Honda manage to play so many minutes having suffered an injury at the end of his club season. Very much look forward to catching Brazil's games, they are a good bet to reach the final. Believe that there is plenty more to come from them and it is seen as the tournament many of their players will come of age. They had some good spells where they moved the ball quickly, but didn't do it often enough. Hopefully they can improve there next game. Very watchable match, plenty of talent on show and some fantastic goals. Today's match between Mexico and Italy promises a great deal and should be good. Mexico, though are in a bit of a rut and really struggling infront of goal. Italy were a joy to watch at the Euro's, more of the same would be welcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment