I noted at the end of yesterday’s article that while Spain’s tactics would serve them well against nearly any side in the world, they might struggle against Brazil, and today’s effort aims to explain why.
Football World Cup ticketsA lazy cliché has been regurgitated in all areas of the press about the Brazilian national team: under coach Dunga Brazil are boring, a disgrace to the Joga Bonita style of football for which the country is famous.
This is a harsh assessment, and one without merit, for Brazil remain one of the best sides in the world – and are justifiably favourites for the World Cup in some quarters.
Although fans of Barcelona, Spain and Arsenal will pompously announce that there is only one way to play beautiful football – short passes and movement until opposition is broken down – Brazil’s tactical system is quite brilliant in its innovation.
Players do not have time on the ball in the modern game that they did forty years ago, and so the joyous 1970 style of play is near impossible.