The greatest in the world at the moment?

Brazil are the greatest football playing nation on the planet, there are very few who would argue that. They have five World Cups and Eight Copa Americas to their name and the very rarely disappoint their country. Whereas many European nations go through phases of good squads, Brazil have a never ending product line of top quality players and the flair and style of the Brazil side often makes people want to see them above any other team on the planet. But when you think about great Brazillian players, you’d probably come up with a load of players who love to attack: Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho, Zico and Rivaldo etc. With the exception of Cafu and Roberto Carlos (who in their own right were more attacking minded than defensive – although Cafu could do it all!) you would struggle to convince people that Brazil have had a lot of world class defenders in the past. In 2002, they managed to win the World Cup with Dida in nets and Roque Junior at centre back and although the latter was voted in the World Cup XI, if you have seen both of these players in their club career, you wouldn’t exactly consider them amazing.

Enter Dunga. A man that has caused a stir in his home nation by changing the Brazil way and moulded the national side in his own model. Instead of building a side from front to back, Dunga has reversed this and turned Brazil into a much more rigid outfit that almost splits the team into stern attacking and defensive orders. Dunga hasn’t exactly revolutionised the entire Brazil mentality, but instead he has almost evolved it and has five players that allow him to make his system work like a charm:

Julio Cesar:

The best quality a goalkeeper can have is his organisational skills. How a keeper communicates and orders the defenders in front of him is very important and this is something Cesar does brilliantly as he knows how to talk to the players in front of him in order to protect his goal. This is the reason many have considered Buffon one of the greatest for the past decade as he knows how to organise the people in front of him, and when called into action he is equally adept to making saves. Barcelona V Inter last season at the Nou Camp is a prime example of Cesar’s organisation as he was constantly talking to those in front of him and sending orders out that kept Barca out over and over again. By the time he retires, he could be known as the greatest Brazil keeper of all time.

Lucio and Juan:

About five or so years ago, you wouldn’t have considered these two to be world class defenders. But experience has made both of these players into outstanding and many are even calling Lucio the best defender in the world at the moment. The experience they have both gained in a top league like Serie A has aided them greatly and like a fine wine, they are getting better with age. Lucio himself is a unique character, one look at him in England and people often start describing him as a ‘beast’ and we all know how passionate he can become about the game (one way to put it). Juan on the other hand has had his injury problems, but he is reliable and can often just make himself into a brick wall that no one can get around. These two are both athletic as well and very good on the ball, I suppose the reason I believe that these two are part of the greatest Brazil defence is the fact that they are both ball playing defenders that are as passionate about defending as the likes of Pele and Zico were about attacking. Also looking on the bench, there is a 25 year old Thiago Silva that plays for A.C Milan (are you seeing a theme here). I’m not one of these people who falls into the stereotype that Italian football is ” boring defensive football” as often these claims are made by people that rarely watch it, but Italian’s do know how to defend and it is part of their culture. Both have moved from German football and it has really sharpened their skills and often come up against some of the top attacking players in the world while at Serie A.

Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva:

One has had a poor season in Italy which saw him sent off numerous times and the other plays in the Greek top division. With all due respect to Greek league, you’d often think your two amazing defensive midfielders would be playing for the likes of Real Madrid or Chelsea, but just because Gilberto doesn’t play at the very top of the mountain, it doesn’t mean he is any less of a player. Felipe Melo on the other hand has had a difficult first season in Italy that many foreign players often experience due to the unique football culture in that country; even Zidane had a struggle at first! These two players allow the likes of Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano and Elano (or Alves now I suppose) in front of them stay up the top end of the pitch and give them the confidence that they can perform the job of sweeping up when the opposition try to catch Brazil on the break. They also allow Maicon and Bastos to break forward from full back in true Brazil style and their main role is just filling in the gaps that attackers can leave when they attempt to go forward. Melo is a no nonsense player and he isn’t afraid to kick you into next week if he needs to and Silva has an elegance that tells you he is fully aware of his surroundings and knows what his role is.

Obviously I am only 21, so I didn’t really experience past generations of Brazil squads, but in my opinion (although i’d love to add Cafu to this team), this is the best Brazil defence I have ever seen. They just look solid at the back and these five players mean that they don’t need to rely on their attacking players too heavily. Now Brazil are about to play Holland and I hope I’m not going to eat my words…

Since 1990, when Cameroon became the first African nation to reach the Quarter Finals of the World Cup, only one other African country has made it to the same point, Senegal in 2002. Despite the consistent leaps in quality, ability and tactical attitude, Africa has consistently failed to make the next breakthrough on the world stage. Critics can point to perhaps the continents best team, Egypt, not being in the finals, but Egypt traditionally struggle to qualify for the World Cup.

With continental advantage at hand, could Africa begin to consistently trouble the latter stages of the World Cup at last? It just seems unfortunate that only one of the six qualifiers this year looks capable of getting in to the last eight in South Africa. For me, the Ivory Coast stand head and shoulders above all the other African representatives even before they enticed Sven-Goran Eriksson to take the helm this summer.

As a squad, the depth and experience of the Elephants squad is clearly the strongest of the African nations in all parts of the field with talismanic striker Didier Drogba leading the team on and off the pitch. Add to that the options that players of the calibre of the Toure brothers, Guy Demel, Bakary Kone, Didier Zokora, Salomon Kalou and Aruna Dindane give you and you have a strong line up to match most sides in the tournament. The fact that they’ve found themselves in the same group as Brazil and Portugal and expected whipping boys North Korea shouldn’t fill them with fear.They can qualify from this group.

Under no circumstances is this the free flowing samba styled Brazil we’ve been brought up on over the last few years. Head coach Dunga has installed a pragmatic formation and tactical set that keeps the midfield anchored but allowing the wingers and fullbacks to bomb forward. It’s an interesting variation on the standard Brazilian style, more reminiscent of the 1994 winning side than the 2002 winning side.After they way they slumped out of the competition in 2006, they’ll be keen to be more clinical.

Portugal on the other hand can thank a favourable seeding in the European play-offs for getting to the World Cup. A side that seems to be on the way down, huffing and puffing its way through qualification. Despite the hype, Ronaldo, similarly to Messi, doesn’t seem to play as we know him at the international level. North Korea have the surprise element, but I doubt we’ll have a repeat of their amazing shock of the 1966 finals.

We’ve a situation where one of the 3 big teams in this group will be going home and with Brazil and Portugal clashing as their last fixture, the Ivory Coast will be aware that they could be in a situation that they could send home one of the Portuguese speaking nations. Would it be a big shock? Not really, if anything, Portugal are the ones who have it all to do to get through. The tournament needs the best African side to go through as the only other contenders, Cameroon and Ghana often flatter to deceive.

World Cups have no time for sentiment, but the Ivory Coast have a chance to write a little bit of history and each of the three teams will be desperate to finish top as I can’t see Spain not winning Group H. Eriksson will be at his 3rd World Cup and despite his faults, is still one of the most experienced managers in the world. Adding his pragmatic tactics to the Ivory Coast’s boundless exuberance could be a match made in heaven. Brazil and Portugal will be hoping the cocktail doesn’t taste as sweet in action.

Leave me your comments below and you can follow me on http://twitter.com/paulbestall

Brazil faced the Republic of Ireland Tuesday night at their second “home” in London. Since 2007, the South Americans remain undefeated against Italy, Sweden and England in the Capitol city. The pre-World Cup friendly, played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, has reinforced Coach Dunga’s decision to use several home-based and non-glamor European club players for the National side.

For some, the return of European based players to their native Brazil is increasingly lucrative. In the past year both current and former internationals have found starring roles in the once chaotic Brazilian Leagues.

Recent regulations and fixture improvements along with an economic upturn have yielded an exodus of players from the promise of European prosperity.

Manchester City‘s on loan star Robinho, back from Santos, made a happy yet brief visit to England on Tuesday. He is but one of a handful of big names taking umbrage back in Brazil. Over the past year and a half, former FIFA Player of the Year Ronaldo, and long time Real Madrid and World Cup star Roberto Carlos, have signed on for Corinthians of Sao Paolo.

They have been joined by ex-Tottenham left back Gilberto, now at Cruzeiro, Fred, from Olympic Lyon to Fluminense, and Real Zaragoza’s Ewerthan now at Palmeiras.

Much of the turn-around is attributed to the economic boom now taking place in Brazil. The financial growth estimated at 4.7 % in the past four years and projected to reach 5 % by 2012 is now able to compete with Europe’s lagging economy . This also bodes well for current President Luiz Inacio da Silva, who is himself is a die-hard Corinthians supporter. His push for legislation to organize the leagues, curb corruption and bring about sensible fixtures was paramount in the appeal to European bound players. It also includes a comprehensive promotion and relegation system.

Other players who abandoned the riches of European clubs for other reasons include Adriano, who blamed his poor form at Internazionale on depression and longing for Brazil. He left behind a lucrative contract in the black and blue of Milan for the familiar black and red of Rio’s Flamengo. He is also back in the good graces of Dunga while players like AC Milan’s Ronaldinho are left out.

While this exodus has been confirmed in the news, rumors of ex-patriots wanting to return are also spoken aloud. Juliano Belletti and Deco are a pair of Chelsea players pining for the land of Samba too. The Brazilian born Deco, who is a full Portuguese international, wants to raise his family there after competing for his adopted nation at the 2010 Word Cup. While Belletti had already put in his transfer request to play for Flamengo, it was turned down by Chelsea staff. In addition, AS Roma’s Cicinho wants to depart the Italian Capitol and is already in talks with the Sao Paolo club.

The country that will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics is in prime position to offer better money than it could 10 years ago. Its greatest appeal is still the hero worship that comes from being a footballer. After all, many are back to the only nation which has participated in each and every World Cup.

If this football exodus has spiritual connotations, then surely “futbole” is the religion that drives it.

Chuck Zsolnai is the Historical Director at the International Soccer Archives. He has been covering soccer since 1989.

The World Cup is almost set in terms of the teams that will qualify and once the play-offs are completed it will be clear whether the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery will be present or missing. In the meantime, Sweden’s talented forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic will certainly not be going to the World Cup after his country failed to qualify from the same group which saw eventual winners Denmark earn automatic qualification and runners-up Portugal reach the play-offs.

Perhaps the African continent will see many of its star players missing in comparison with other regions since countries such as Nigeria, Egypt and Togo will likely miss out unless they win and results fall in their favor. Still, with the likes of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien making it to South Africa, the missing players such as Egypt’s Amr Zaki (previously on loan with Wigan Athletic) and Nigeria’s Obafemi Martins (previously with Newcastle United) do not share the same prestige and talent. Thus, the most important missing players will likely come from Europe and Barcelona’s Ibrahimovic must be one of the most talented players on the list of absentees. If both France and Portugal fail to qualify then the list will extend to include a number of other notable names.

Other players who will likely miss out due to various reasons include Italy’s Antonio Cassano who continues to be overlooked by Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi despite his influential role in Sampdoria’s strong start to the domestic league. Cassano has yet to feature in any of the matches since Lippi took over again following coach Roberto Donadoni’s unconvincing tenure. Spain’s Raul will probably be another familiar name missing once the World Cup begins next summer. The Real Madrid icon has witnessed a steady decline the past couple of years as age kicks in yet he remains Spain’s all-time leading scorer.

Two other names that could be missing on South Africa despite their country’s qualification include Brazilians Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Ronaldo is a few goals behind legend Pele on the Brazilian all-time scoring list yet he might not play again for his country due to injuries which have decimated his career. The former Barcelona, Internazionale and Milan striker is also the World Cup’s top scorer after netting a total of 15 times.

His compatriot Ronaldinho, who ironically also played for Barcelona and now wears the Rossoneri shirt, was instrumental in many of Barcelona’s victories in Spain and Europe as well as Brazil’s World Cup 2002 triumph when he scored the infamous free-kick against England in the quarter-final stage. Ronaldinho is desperately trying to revive his career after a stuttering start to the season with Milan. Unless Ronaldinho rediscovers his old form then he is unlikely to earn a recall from coach Dunga.

The Brazilian coach may spring a surprise if his roster does not include Milan’s young striker Alexandre Pato. The Rossoneri’s attacker played a fundamental role in Milan’s famous away victory against Los Galacticos and is currently beginning to fire on all cylinders. Pato was not included in Dunga’s latest squad which will play England and Oman in friendly matches.

Finally, Italy’s Lippi may also not call up Alessandro Del Piero as the veteran forward begins his journey to regain full fitness after a series of niggling injuries at the start of this season. Del Piero has often delivered for his club Juventus yet the same cannot be said of his international career with his two main contributions to the Azzurri including the ending of Germany’s hopes in the semi-final in Germany 2006 when he scored the second goal in over-time and clinching a draw against Mexico in South Korea 2002. Del Piero scored to bring the Azzurri on level with the Mexicans and helping his country qualify to the second round in the process.

Italy will perhaps miss two other World Cup winners in the shape of the returning defensive maestro Alessandro Nesta and Roma’s talisman Francesco Totti. Nesta has had a solid start to the season yet he has quit the international game despite calls for his return based on his recent performances while Totti continues to struggle with various injuries and it seems unlikely he will feature for the Italians in South Africa.

With much of the qualification process almost complete and South Africa 2010 looming large, it would make sense to assess some of the world’s best custodians who will be present during the World Cup. Goalkeepers such as Petr Cech will be excluded from the discussion since their nation failed to qualify for next summer’s big event.

During World Cup 2006 in Germany, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon was in outstanding form and played a significant role in the Azzurri’s triumph. The Juventus goalie performed a miracle save to keep out French star Zinedine Zidane’s header from securing in all likelihood France’s victory in 2006. Buffon was beaten only twice during the tournament, once courtesy of a freak own-goal by Cristian Zaccardo and the second time from the penalty spot through the legendary Zidane. The goalkeeper is closing in on Italy’s goalkeeping icon Dino Zoff’s 112 caps for la Nazionale. Buffon will once again be very critical for Italy’s chances in South Africa 2010 just as he was in Germany 2006 and his current form bodes well for Marcello Lippi’s side. He seems to have regained his outstanding form following a solid start to the season with Juventus and Italy.

Another name to keep in mind is that of Brazil’s number one Julio Cesar who like Buffon also features in the Italian league. The Brazilian goalkeeper has become an impenetrable wall during Internazionale’s domination on the domestic front and has received praise from both Brazil’s coach Dunga and his rival Buffon. Julio Cesar has often performed miraculous saves and has been a great contributor to the Brazilian cause with his country conceding a mere 11 goals in 18 appearances in the qualifying stage. His form will play a significant role in Brazil’s progress during next summer’s World Cup.

Both Buffon and Julio Cesar will face stiff competition from Spain’s Iker Casillas during South Africa 2010 in the quest to claim the title of the event’s best goalkeeper. The Real Madrid custodian was instrumental in his country’s triumph in Euro 2008 and has often performed admirably for Los Blancos. However, in recent times, his performances have been inconsistent as evident by his blunder against Milan in the Champions League which allowed Alexandre Pato to sneak in a goal for the Rossoneri. On most days, Casillas exudes confidence and puts in some impeccable displays though there is a slight downward trend in his current performances . The fact that Real Madrid’s defense has leaked goals the past two seasons does not do the Spaniard justice yet he also has been at fault on a number of occasions. It is true that even the best goalkeepers make the occasional mistake or commit a rare blunder but both Buffon and Cesare have proven to be more consistent in recent times.

Those three goalkeepers were actually named along with Petr Cech as part of the best five goalies by none other than fellow professional and custodian Sebastien Frey who represents Fiorentina in the Italian league. The Frenchman was not included because he is unlikely to be in South Africa 2010 even if the French national team makes it due to the fact that Raymond Domenech does not rate him highly. It is a shame because Frey can be quite outstanding when in form as witnessed in la Viola’s games during this season. Another noteworthy mention goes to the Republic of Ireland’s shot-stopper Shay Given who is a solid and consistent player but probably ranks a step below the likes of Buffon, Cesar and Casillas.

How about the message sent by the people of Sevilla during the Spain-England friendly.  Thanks to Reuters for this great photo, the message says, “In Sevilla, we aren’t racists, we are artists.”  So now Ladies & Gentlemen, the artistry continues with another World Cup Buzz Top 5 for you.  After this past week of international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers you know we had to bring Edition #4 of the  Top 5.  Here they are the Top 5 Things Learned From This Last FIFA Date:

#1: Australia Is The New Power In Asia

The Socceroos have been flexing their muscle from Down Under since their move to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.  Adelaide United made the ’08 Asian Champions League final and now the national team is playing the best ball in Asia.  They have taken 7 of a possible 9 points on the road so far in WCQ while going undefeated atop Group 1.  Bad news for their opponents, 3 of their next 4 WCQ matches are in Australia.  Most of their national team players work in Europe with England’s Premier League employing the majority of them.  The Socceroos are becoming the dominant nation in Asia.

#2: South America is BALLIN!

South American national teams stood out during this last FIFA Date.  Only 1 CONMEBOL side lost, Peru. They lost to the best team in South America right now, Paraguay.  Chile beat South Africa 2-0, Colombia beat Haiti 2-0, Venezuela took down Guatemala 2-1, and Uruguay beat Libya in a thriller 3-2.  The big displays of strength came from The CONMEBOL Powers: Brazil & Argentina.  Brazil breezed past Italy 2-0 on a neutral site and Argentina cruised by France on the road 2-0.  CONMEBOL sides played against nations from CONCACAF, Europe, and Africa and were undefeated. The only South American team to lose, lost to another South American side.  Further affirmation that South America is the cradle of talent and the toughest region in World Cup Qualifying.

#3: The Soca Warriors Blew It

Trinidad & Tobago carries the banner of Caribbean football into the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and they blew a huge opportunity to start the hexagonal stage on top of the standings.  The Soca Warriors were up 2-0 on the road vs. El Salvador when they gave up 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to earn one point instead of the desired 3 points.  Vista Hermosa midfielder Osael Romero was the hero for Los Cuscatlecos and snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.  The Soca Warriors blew a golden opportunity to take a 3 points on the road.  3 points on the road in World Cup Qualifying is massive, thankfully it was only the 1st match of the hexagonal.

#4: Maradona May Know What He’s Doing

It might be too early to tell but “El Pibe De Oro” is turning Argentina’s form around to the positive side.  He’s been in charge for 2 friendlies and both have been wins:  1-0 versus Scotland and 2-0 versus France.  The true test of his managerial ability will come next month during CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying but Los Albicelestes have played with more life and passion.  The inclusion of Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez in the starting XI has been important in their improved play.  Its too early to say he is a great coach but so far its seems like he knows what he’s doing.

#5: Dunga Is Still On The Hot Seat

Let’s keep it real, the job security in being the coach of the Brazilian National Team is always fragile.  Despite Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Italy, Dunga seat has gotten hotter.  Why?  Thanks to Chelsea.  As it has been well publicized, Chelsea just fired Luiz Felipe Scolari after a disappointing few months at the London club.  His free agent status puts more pressure on Dunga because the coach of Brazil’s last World Cup triumph is available.  For Dunga’s sake, Scolari finds a job real soon.  If Brazil’s form dips during World Cup qualifying, Dunga’s seat is going to be boiling and the call for Scolari will be loud and the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) might hear it and make the change.

Its another Top 5 for you here on World Cup Buzz. Don’t forget to check out our sister sites, to get the best opinions and insight on “The Beautiful Game.”