For Brazil, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is the 19th opportunity for the side to claim the title of World Champions – which they have done five times before. The South American giants head into every international football tournament as a top favourite, and this year is no different with such a powerful squad both individually and as a team.
For Brazil, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is the 19th opportunity for the side to claim the title of World Champions – which they have done five times before.
With such a rich and successful history in the world of football, a deeply passionate affair has been created betwen the people of the country have with the sport in all its glory. So as the squad heads to South Africa hoping for a sixth crown, eyes turn to the coach Dunga, who has the passion inside after playing for the nation, to bring the cup home.
Brazil had a mixed journey to South Africa, with a less than impressive first bout where the side saw goalless home draws with arch rivals Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia – to the huge disappointment of fans. However, as of last year the side seemed to find their regular form, and fired home the goals, securing their spot in the 2010 World Cup.
Brazil were drawn in Group G for the 2010 World Cup, where they will battle it out with the Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal for a spot in the knockout rounds. In the group stage however, it is most likely to only be the Portuguese side which will give the Brazilians any form of serious challenge, and will play either Spain or Chile – most likely the latter, if they progress according to the stats. After winning the 2002 World Cup, Brazil did not make it past the quarterfinals in 2006 – and will certainly hope to get further than that this time around.
Brazil’s Group G Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Venue |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 14 | 15.06.10 | Brazil V North Korea | Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg | 20.30 | 04.30 (16.06.10) |
| 29 | 20.06.10 | Brazil V Ivory Coast | Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg | 20.30 | 04.30 (21.06.10) |
| 45 | 25.06.10 | Portugal V Brazil | Durban Stadium, Durban | 16.00 | 00.00 (26.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
LUCIMAR FERREIRA DA SILVA – LUCIO (CAPTAIN)
Born: 08.05.1978 in Brasilia, Brazil
Height: 1.88 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Inter Milan, Serie A
Lucio has been Brazil’s skipper since August 2006, and in the FIFA World Cup in Germany set a record when he played 386 minutes of consecutive match time without committing a foul. The defender was part of the 2002 World Cup winning squad, and has also won the FIFA Confederations Cup twice- in 2005 & 2009, making him one of the more experienced players in the team.
RICARDO IZECSON DOS SANTOS LEITE – KAKA
Born: 22.04.1982 in Brasilia, Brazil
Height: 1.86 metres
Position: Midfielder
Club: Real Madrid, La Liga
International Debut: Vs Bolivia (31.01.2002)
Kaka, the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year award winner, is one of a few in the Brazilian squad who has the ability to turn the tide of a match individually. He was also part of the campaign in 2002 which saw Brazil claim their fifth World Cup title, and has a fantastic goal scoring tally for an international midfielder – at 26.
LUIS FABIANO
Born: 08.11.1980 in Campinas, Brazil
Height: 1.83 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Sevilla, La Liga
International Debut: Vs Nigeria (11.06.2003)
Luis Fabiano made his mark on the Brazilian squad in his debut run out, scoring a goal and securing his spot as number one striker. From 36 appearances for his national side, Fabiano has scored 25 goals, and can claim being part of the side which went on to win the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
BRAZILIAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | DUNGA |
| Goalkeepers | DONI |
| - | GOMES |
| - | Julio CESAR |
| Defenders | Alex COSTA |
| - | Dani ALVES |
| - | Gilberto MELO |
| - | Juan SILVEIRA DOS SANTOS |
| - | Lucimar FERREIRA DA SILVA |
| - | Anderson LUIS DA SILVA (LUISAO) |
| - | MAICON |
| - | MARCELO |
| - | Michel BASTOS |
| - | Thiago SILVA |
| Midfielders | Carlos EDUARDO |
| - | Elano BLUMER |
| - | Felipe MELO |
| - | Paulo GANSO |
| - | Gilberto SILVA |
| - | Josue DE OLIVEIRA |
| - | Julio BAPTISTA |
| - | KAKA |
| - | Jose KLEBERSON |
| - | RAMIRES |
| - | SANDRO |
| Forwards | Diego TARDELLI |
| - | GRAFITE |
| - | Luis FABIANO |
| - | NILMAR |
| - | ROBINHO |
| - | RONALDINHO |
