For the purists, the tournament officially started Tuesday. Brazil won their opener 2-1 over North Korea. The five time, five time, five time, five time, five time world champions did just enough to get by the disciplined North Koreans. Arguments that Brazil can be beaten will be fueled by what some are calling a "lucky" escape.
I wouldn't go that far but the North koreans did make the final few minutes interesting after a very good goal by Ji Yun-nam. Just before that goal, Lucio and Juan had taken part in the attack as Brazil kept going forward in seach of a third. The irony is that Dunga's Brazil will probably not be remembered for attacking flair as much as efficiency. Yet with a two-goal lead they never stopped attacking, even with less than ten minutes left on the clock.
I will remind the anti Dunga brigade that the goals and flair they want more of won't come if they don't attack. I don't care if they conceded a late goal. You can't have it both ways.
Even Franz Beckenbauer has criticized Dunga's approach. He feels that the world want colorful, rhythmic, jogo bonito. Yes, I agree. I want that too but it's time to leave Dunga alone and let him coach his team as he sees fit. The North Korean goal was not from the type of indiscipline that Junior displayed in that famous defeat to Italy in 1982. It resulted from the Asian side playing until the final whistle and not taking anything for granted.
The French would love a Dunga instead of a Domenech. The English were panicking after that dismal display against the US. Some are calling for Capello to change his ways or to step down. What ever that means.
And by the way, the England team (Wayne Rooney included) were their usual disappointing selves against the United States Saturday. I fell asleep during the match. Seriously, it was that boring. I feel that for all the hype, anticipation, expectation, and alleged talent on dispaly, that match was such a disappointment that it set soccer back in the US by about 15 years. I should know. I was there in person in 1993 to see the best US team ever assembled beat an England team that was better than this current version.
Chat later
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