Six Unlucky Brazilians Likely to Miss out on World Cup Squad

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to name his 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup tomorrow. After an excellent 2013, which saw Brazil lift the Confederations Cup and win 12 games in 13, there are not expected to be many surprise draws in Felipao’s pack. Here, we take a look at a handful of Selecao hopefuls who may consider themselves unlucky not to be part of the first World Cup to be held... 

Robinho: Does Brazil’s Forgotten Man Have a Chance of Making World Cup Squad?

Last November, Milan forward Robinho, once the focal point of the Selecao attack, was handed his first international call-up in two years. Brazil played two friendlies, against Honduras and Chile, and the 30-year-old played a decisive role in the second. Coming off the bench, he netted the winner in a 2-1 win over their South American rivals. Following a positive reintegration into the national setup—he... 

Neymar: Will Barcelona and Brazil Star Arrive at World Cup Prepared?

With Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari managing to define his starting XI for the FIFA World Cup long ahead of schedule, the last thing he needed was an injury to one of his principal players. Barcelona forward Neymar is set to miss the rest of the Spanish domestic season with a foot injury sustained in the Copa del Rey final a fortnight ago, as reported by The Daily Mail. Initial reports had the starlet... 

Is the Concentracao an Outdated Concept That Is Harming Brazilian Football?

Players in this corner of the world have a long list of complaints about the way football is run in Brazil: the hectic, disorganised calendar, substandard playing surfaces, midweek kick-offs of 10 p.m. to accommodate media giant Globo and their soap operas, to name but a few.   But perhaps none grate more than that unique aspect of Brazilian football—the concentracao.   In theory, it... 

Is Fear of Violence Taking the Spotlight Away from the World Cup?

Fear is dominating the agenda in Brazil during the final countdown to this summer’s World Cup. Last week, the proposed FIFA Fan Fest site in the north-eastern city of Recife was cancelled (link in Portuguese) by city governors due to concerns of protests and violence during the month-long tournament. It is a great shame to deprive so many of a communal viewing spot. Unfortunately, it’s... 

Is Fred Worth His Place in the Brazil Team for the World Cup?

Whilst Brazil’s World Cup squad arguably still has a couple of vacancies, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s starting XI is as good as set in stone. Barring any last-minute injuries, the man to take the hallowed No. 9 shirt is Fluminense striker Fred. Come kick-off against Croatia on June 12 at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, the 30-year-old former Lyon forward will be the only home-based... 

The Transformation of Brazil Under Luiz Felipe Scolari and Its World Cup Effect

There were admittedly some raised eyebrows when the Brazilian Football Confederation, the CBF, dispensed with the services of coach Mano Menezes in November 2012, paving the way for the return of Luiz Felipe Scolari. For starters, the timing seemed off. In August of that year, Menezes had led a Brazil under-23 side to the final of the Olympic Games, where they lost 2-1 to Mexico in the final. Surely,... 

Ronaldinho: Where Did It All Go Wrong with Brazil’s World Cup Year?

Brazil have wrapped up their friendly programme prior to their World Cup squad announcement on May 7. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari now appears to have a firm idea of the ins and outs after a year of friendly auditions, not to mention a Confederations Cup title, since he took over from Mano Menezes. The approach of the two managers differs in one significant way. During his reign, Menezes was insistent... 

Brazilian Ronaldo’s Top 10 Defining Moments

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, better known simply as Ronaldo, was one of the most feared strikers on the planet in his heyday. In a career that stretched to almost two decades and close to 100 games for the Brazilian national side, we pick the 10 defining moments that helped the former Selecao No. 9 stand out as one of the most talented individuals of the modern era. Begin Slideshow  Read More →

Garrincha, Brazil’s Forgotten World Cup Star, Left in Pele Shadow

“When he came to Botafogo for a trial, he put the first ball he touched straight between my legs. A lot of people thought I would be offended but they were wrong. I told the directors there and then that they had to sign him. Fortunately, they listened to me.”  So said Nilton Santos of one of the most gifted players to have ever graced a football pitch. Manoel Francisco dos Santos,... 

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