Day 10: Prognosis? Inconclusive…
The vultures were hovering o’erhead, and pundits’ knives were being sharpened, as France '98′s two finalists took to the field against (on paper) relatively modest opposition.
The morbid interest in Munich’s Allianz Arena (for Brazil v Australia) centred on a question first asked in that very final: What, exactly, is wrong with Ronaldo? Is he merely out of shape/lacking in match fitness etc? Is there something wrong with him psychologically? Is the Brazilian camp a less than happy one?
The wagging tongues suggested all sorts of dark (but unconvincing) readings of the situation: He’s an undroppable ‘superstar’, Nike are insisting that he play every game, the Brazilian public won’t tolerate the 'dream quartet' being broken up…and so on. A more prosaic explanation might be that he is simply a striker whose (current) lack of confidence and sharpness is being exacerbated by the kind of extreme media/public pressure that he is routinely subjected to.
While Brazil, particularly in the 2nd half, showed flashes of the kind of inspirational stuff we have (perhaps unfairly) come to expect from them, the majority of the players seemed (in marked contrast to Argentina, for example) to be extremely tense, rigid, and inhibited for much of the time.1 There were positives (other than the result) to be found however. Kaka showed, once again, how indispensable he is with a dynamic, energetic performance that did much to shake the world champions out of their lethargy. Ronaldinho too – though again somewhat below his best – did at least try to thread balls through a gallant Australian defence when the option was on (reverting to short, safe passes when the option was not).
As for the front two, well Adriano looked far more like the thunderous and imposing striker he initially looked for Inter (scoring a composed, well-taken goal), but Ronaldo (alas) seemed once again a shadow of his former self…with a tragicomic ‘fresh air’ in the first half inviting the world’s sports journos to close in for the kill. Though the jury is still out on Robinho (his 72nd minute replacement), you’d have to be blind not to notice a marked improvement in Brazilian movement, speed, cut-and-thrust (etc) following his introduction.
A dilemma then for Parreira. Does he show loyalty to a clearly unhappy player because he’s done it before (and may, yet, do it again) or does he say "to hell with sentiment" and blood Robinho on the biggest stage of all? The latter option seems, at the present moment, the only sane choice, but it’s hard not to feel sad at the long-term implications that might have for Brazil’s current number 9. We shall see…
Over in Leipzig the hacks gathered not to scrutinise the failings of a single individual, but rather to await the fate of an entire French team that appears to be slowly dying. Though they finally, thanks to Thierry Henry, managed to score their first World Cup finals goal since the 1998 final, they inexplicably let a game in which they were totally in control (though rarely impressively dominant) slip through their fingers.
This South Korean team may not play with quite the same panache as they did under Guus Hiddink (Dick Advocaat is a horse of a dourer colour after all), but their "never say die" spirit is still very much intact. Johnny Giles (over on RTÉ) certainly thought so, as the prodigious Korean work-rate was enough to make him chuckle and confide: "I love these lads, Bill".2
A better, more confident, France would have killed the game off mid-way through the 2nd half, thus making any Korean response a mere consolation. Alas (for French supporters) it was hardly surprising that they did not and they now face the very real prospect of an unthinkable, second consecutive first round exit. If the reaction of Zidane3 to being substituted was anything to go by – briefly glaring at Raymond Domenech, before flinging his wrist band at the bench – then there may be serious dissent in the French ranks.
What an inglorious end to a magnificent career that exit might be. Though their play scarcely warrants it, one can’t help but hope they’ll make the knockout stages…if for nothing else than to give the great man one last send-off.
Croatia 0 Japan 0
Brazil 2 Australia 0
France 1 South Korea 1
[tags]Brazil, Australia, World Cup, Football, France, South Korea, Zidane, Henry, Ronaldo, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Adriano[/tags]
- Is this just the burden of expectation taking its toll? [back]
- The Gilesian phrase "these lads" seems to be used exclusively when referring to non-European teams (Ghana, Togo, Japan etc): "These lads are no mugs, Bill", These lads are very game, Bill", "These lads are big and strong, Bill"…and so on. [back]
- Possibly playing his last ever game due to suspension [back]
June 18, 2006
5 responses to Day 10: Prognosis? Inconclusive…
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It should be noted that Australia played particularly well and therefore Brazil had to adjust from their normal game.
Nice post Fústar. I think recent press regarding Brazil’s ‘failure’ to ignite the hearts and minds of the footballing world demonstrates two things: we love to see the mighty fall and expectations about this team have been greatly inflated. I think they will do well in the tournament, maybe not win it, but they should make the quarter or semi finals at least. As Wes said, Australia played particularly well with a side that is more than capable of causing a few surprises this World Cup. I think every team will approach them with a game-plan and Brazil, like all defending champions will find themselves playing against opponents who have been studying them closely (some for up to four years).
I’m very pleased with the world cup so far and I’m enjoying it far too much to engage in some of the schadenfreude that seems to have gripped the press whenever the possibility of a ‘shock’ raises it’s head. The use of the word ‘shock’ usually indicates that the ‘shocked’ observer is in such a state due to his/her narrow knowledge of football.
I love the results that surprise me and teach me more about this fantastic game in this tournament of tournaments. I also love those results that confirm that the historic greats are still great (albeit with more company on their lofty perch).
Great blog, great World Cup…more of the same tonight? I think so!
Cnuimh
the current french squad reminds me of the dutch squad of past tournaments which was full of squables and unrest among the players leading to unsuccessful / unconvincing performances that were understandably shortlived.
I agree up to a point azzuri. There definitely seems to be unrest in the French camp but I don’t think that’s the main source of their woes (as it has been for Dutch teams in the past).
The whole balance of the team looks wrong and there seems to be precious little understanding between the players out there. Compared to (say) Argentina, the French look like strangers, ambling haphazardly round the pitch (to no great effect).