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DEL.ICIO.USWhy can’t we all be Brazilians?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Associated Press
Ever since they began their training camp in a bucolic Swiss mountain village a few days ago, the Brazilian team has been besieged by fans. And not really the locals.
On Friday, the fervor reached such a point that this woman broke through the security detail to embrace Ronaldinho. He hardly seems bothered by the intrusion.
Heidi, ho. How did all these people get there? I’ve seen team sambas in the streets, thousands waiting for tickets to watch training in a “stadium” that seats 5K. A mini-Carneval somewhere near the banks of the Lucerne.
All week I have marveled at the photos coming across the wires of the various World Cup teams in their respective training modes. The Italians were doing all sorts of calisthenics. The French were forced to hoof it up the snowy Alps. We know now how hard The Bruce has been pushing the Yanks in the teeming metropolis of Cary.
Oh, yes, the defending champions have been doing some hard work — I guess. But every snapshot I see has them smiling, even at the most boring, routine drills. Except for Ronaldo, who looks like he can’t move any better than me. Today there was Emerson juggling balls. Yesterday Robinho playfully stuck out his tongue and laughed. Maybe the photographers assigned to them are just turning out better shots, but it sure beats the hell out of the Italian team photo I saw yesterday. They all looked like they were in a police lineup. (And not only keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has been questioned by police for alleged sports betting activities.)
Am I just playing into a familiar stereotype about Brazil? There is a dark side to the sport, especially the corruption that dominates the federation and professional leagues, and the terrible poverty that has defined the childhoods of so many of its best players.
I suppose my point — I’m fumbling to come up with one — is that for just about every other country, all this is work, and they make it look like work. Brazil makes it look like play, even though the expectations are more enormous than anyone. Regardless of how the tournament plays out, it’s such a delight to see the joy, the playfulness, the FUN of the game expressed in their faces, and in their presence.
It means the World Cup is just around the corner, and that’s the best time of all.
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Comments
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By BassHound
May 26, 2006 2:49 PM | Link to this
Henry,
While I agree that movement off the ball and basic tactical awareness (I spoke on the issue on a previous off the ball blog) are lacking in US Soccer, I cannot agree that Freddy is not being given good coaching. While I’m sure there is no lack of coaches who could successfully train Adu in Europe. DC United’s coach is no American soccer parent with an E license. He was one of the best players in MLS History (my opinion only) and had a fairly successful career in Europe (club in Germany and captained the Polish national team). Adu’s slow development has more to do with his age than anything else.
By Henry
May 26, 2006 4:46 PM | Link to this
Just because you are a great player does not make you a great coach. Pele would never be a great coach. Klingsman and Beckenbauer are the rare exceptions. As for Adu any of the major team coaches in Europe will do, but it needs to be done now, or it may already be to late. As far as the Brasilian national tewam is concerned the attention they now receive probably will be their unduing. Brasil only plays great when they are on the ropes. Ronaldinio may the only exception, he smiles even when he is mad. I dont think they will be in the finals this year. Remember I played as the only amateur player on a Brasilian national champion team. Way Way back.
By pat headly
May 26, 2006 5:34 PM | Link to this
long live the mustang soccer club, dale terry’s blue truck, the vivanco’s. i’d still like to kick little ollie balson. brazillianship is a mindset. just ask desmond lewis.
By dan kullen
May 26, 2006 5:43 PM | Link to this
woah. what does dale terry have to do with brazil? different country, different style. the usa is all heart. desmond lewis is jamaican. i’m reffing 6 games this saturday, and i’m pulling my socks up all the way.
By Murilo Luciano
May 26, 2006 7:34 PM | Link to this
You will see, what you will see. It is hidden in the DNA, nobody can denied. Even the CDC cannot find it. But you will have the opportunity to watch the most creative and technical moves from our Brazilian team. At the end, we will shout again and now for the 6th time… Champion of the World!!! Chill
By Nicholas Irwin
May 27, 2006 3:50 AM | Link to this
Why do I get the feeling we’re not gonna be hearing predictions of how well we’re gonna do in the World Cup after last night’s win to offset the doomsaying from the loss earlier in the week?
By Henry
May 27, 2006 7:29 AM | Link to this
Well I was happy to see that our team got the message. They played as they can and proved my point previously. Convay went to Europe and improuved drastically, what a pleasure to watch him. Now lets see if any of the MLS players learned some thing. Latvia, also a nobody team, will be a good warm-up for us, they play the same rough stile soccer as the Chechs.
By Chris
May 28, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Still to sloppy in the attacking third. The assistant coach agreed after the first half. The first goal was a nice ball in. The European based Convey showed some class down the side with some nice crosses. The second goal would have never been scored against a World Cup side. The defense opened up way to much space. It will be interesting to see who Arena decides to make his starting 11 for each game. He will have some tough decisions to make. Nice to see Howard have to make a tough save.
Of course the Brazilians are smiling in Germany. I would be to if there were beautiful Brazilian woman yelling my name while I was practicing. Most of them are probably very home sick having to work in foreign lands a little taste of home is probably very nice. Soccer is not the only passion of the Samba Kings. Their days and nights are filled with the things that they are passionate about bringing much joy.
By Hoosier
June 4, 2006 1:54 PM | Link to this
Will the AJC have a local reporter in Germany?