brazil

According to the bookmaker odds, there are four players in with a shout of being the leading goalscorer in South Africa, with Spain’s David Villa among them. The striker was captured on camera hitting out at Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre during his team’s 2-0 win on Monday, although FIFA have surprisingly decided against taking further action and it means that the Barcelona new boy has two goals to his name and is 4/1 (bet365) to add the Golden Shoe to the Golden Boot he collected during Euro 2008.

While there’s no denying his goalscoring talent, there is of course the possibility that Villa will play just one more game at the World Cup. While Brazil, Argentina and Holland have the knockout stages ahead of them, Spain’s continued participation in South Africa depends on victory against Chile – something which is not certain. Indeed, the bookies make them a 1/2 shot to get the three points they need.

Slight favourite on this market is Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid striker who scored a hat-trick against South Korea to surge to the top of the market. Diego Maradona decided to rest the forward for the final Group B match against Greece, although he’s sure to return hungry for goals against Mexico, who aren’t renowned for having a tight defence (they conceded against South Africa and Uruguay). You can currently back Higuain at odds of 3/1 (William Hill).

Luis Fabiano is next in the betting, having bagged a brace during Brazil’s 3-1 win over the Ivory Coast. The Sevilla striker bounced back after a disappointing match against North Korea and perhaps offers the best value at odds of 11/2 (bet365). After all, the forward is likely to play against Portugal on Friday and will then potentially line up against Chile or Switzerland in the last sixteen. Four goals might yet be enough to win this award.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan also has two goals to his name after three Group A matches and is also an interesting contender. As mentioned in a previous article, La Celeste look as though they have a clear route through to the semi-final and that means three more matches for the Atletico Madrid forward to make his mark. Sporting Bet offer 12/1 that the former Manchester United striker finishes top of the pile.

These are the four players who look as though they are going to battle it out for this award. Lionel Messi is available at 25/1 (Paddy Power) and perhaps shouldn’t be written off ahead of a potential goalfest against Mexico, although the Barcelona forward seems to be heavily-marked at this World Cup, something which at least is allowing his team-mates to score. Similarly, Robin Van Persie will hope for the chance to play against Cameroon during the Netherlands’ final Group E match. The Arsenal striker is currently available at 33/1 (bet365) to win the Golden Shoe.

The bookmakers reacted to England’s 1-0 win over Slovenia by cutting their odds on World Cup success from 11/1 to 8/1 (bet365), although the Three Lions were on the drift just hours later after Germany beat Ghana to win Group D. It means that the two old foes meet each other at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein and this must be the most captivating last sixteen tie of the competition.

Both teams have drifted on the outright market, especially as they are also in the same quarter as Argentina, following La Albiceleste winning Group B. England are available at a best price 11/1 with Sporting Bet to win their second ever World Cup and the consensus is that the bookies could be a bit more generous when it comes to pricing up Fabio Capello’s team. After all, Slovenia are not a footballing powerhouse and England were guilty of not finishing them off in the second half.

Germany are available at odds of around 12/1 on betfair, with Joachim Low’s men having gone as short as 7/1 on the outright market following a 4-0 demolition of Australia in their first game. However, the team have looked a lot less convincing in games against Serbia and Ghana, although they did manage to win the latter to top the section.

Writing on Wednesday evening, it’s Brazil who are favourites to win the 2010 World Cup with the majority of firms. Paddy Power and bet365 are prepared to offer 4/1 about the Selecao and it’s worth noting that if you back any team on the outright market with the latter and they lose on a penalty shoot-out, you will get stakes refunded.

It’s a South American 1-2 at the top of most bookmaker’s market, with Argentina trading at no bigger than 5/1, with some bookies giving Diego Maradona’s team a bigger price now that they have to play Germany or England should they reach the quarter final – not that Mexico will be an easy game on Sunday night.

The one team who might be worth backing are Uruguay, another south American team who have flown under the radar to win Group A and now look as though they have a fairly clean passage through to the semi-finals. La Celeste are no bigger than 18/1 (Bet Fred) on the outright market, having been 25/1 earlier on Wednesday before England’s second place and Germany’s top spot meant that the two teams featured on the opposite half of the draw. Oscar Tabarez’s team will face South Korea and would then face either USA or Ghana – we could be seeing them in the final four.

There are still issues to be decided, with Spain and Brazil not guaranteed top spot in Group H and G respectively. Vicente Del Bosque’s team are available at 11/2 (Sporting Bet) to win the World Cup and will be hoping to face Portugal on Tuesday night, rather than Brazil on Monday night.

Brazil V North Korea

Kick-off: Tuesday, 15th June – 19:30 GMT
Stadium: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Group G

Brazil

Brazil need no introduction other than the five-time winners of the competition are on the prowl for a sixth FIFA World Cup title and if any country is to make history by becoming the first nation to win a FIFA World Cup in the African continent, it is to be Brazil, one of just two countries to this day to have won the competition outside of their own continent, with Argentina being the other. However, Brazil have done so on three occasions and are arguably the best suited team heading to South Africa, as well as being one of the more equipped and the small matter that they are the best international footballing nation of all time.

The last time Brazil won a FIFA World Cup was back in 2002 and even that will seem an age for a nation which treats World Cup finals like the norm. Four years ago at the 2006 finals in Germany, Brazil endured their poorest campaign since 1990 when they exited the competition at the quarter-finals. To most, a quarter-final appearance would be considered a huge success but Brazil they expect nothing less than to be contesting final after final. So much so that their disappointing stay in Germany ended a streak of three successive appearances in the final of a World Cup. It’s an outstanding achievement but for Brazil it’s nothing less than they expect.

At the Brazilian helm we have a man who won the FIFA World Cup as a player back in 1994 in Dunga, whose decision to sacrifice flair for all round solitary has been met with scepticism and a heap load of criticism back home. Although why anyone expected anything less from a man who spent his entire career trying to ensure the Brazil rearguard, an area of the field which has always been a weakness if you like, was well protected. So much so that Dunga has reinforced his defence by opting for two holding midfielders in Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo, a move which hasn’t gone down well with many of the natives. Accompanied by the dismissals of Adriano and Ronaldinho and some say Dunga is tarnishing the reputation of Brazilian football even though the likes of Robinho and Kaka are still at the forefront in the Brazil starting eleven

The ‘Samba Kings’ sailed through their warm up games against Zimbabwe and Tanzania in some style, recording 3-0 and 5-1 wins respectively. Of course their opponents were less than average but some of the football that was played from the Brazil team was breathtaking, so how anyone can claim Brazil have lost some of their technical roots is beyond me. Robinho appears to have his smile back after a torrid time over in England, Kaka is the man pulling all the strings in midfield and Luis Fabiano, while he hasn’t been scoring goals for fun of late, has found the net with ease in recent years and should find the goal once again against North Korea.

All the talk beforehand was how well organised and resolute Brazil are in defence under Dunga but the Brazilians have the opportunity here to express themselves in an attacking sense against a team which will look to defend for the most part and play on the counter.

North Korea

North Korea will partake in their first World Cup since 1966, that famous year when England last lifted the trophy aloft. Since then, there has been a number of did not enters and withdrawals, as well as a couple of failures, but they had their superior goal difference to thank for their berth into the South Africa World Cup as the ousted Saudi Arabia and Iran in Asian qualifying.

All the talk beforehand was of North Korea’s attempt to sneak another forward in the disguise of a goalkeeper. FIFA quickly stubbed out their sneaky ploy by declaring that all goalkeepers must honour their keeping duties and are not permitted to play outfield. While the underhand tactic was thwarted by those upstairs, Korea sent out an early signal of intent that they meant business in South Africa and that in no small part are they going to take to the field and roll over.

It is extremely difficult to find any sort of case for North Korea, whose best option is to stick ten men behind the ball and pray Brazil have a rare off-day in front of goal. That seems a huge ask, an almost impossible scenario, so the Koreans need to somehow conjure a few meaningful attacks during the course of the game in order to halt Brazil’s forward momentum. One man, arguably the one man, capable of lifting North Korea and producing some magic is forward Jong Tae-Se. The Kawasaki Frontale player stood out like a sore thumb during pre-World Cup internationals, scoring twice again the Greek’s in an unbelievable solo display from Tae-Se. He’s a player with absolutely no fear and will at least have an attempt from distance if given the time and space to eye up the goal.

Apart from Tae-Se, who has been dubbed as the ‘People’s Wayne Rooney’, North Korea look toothless. The vast majority of their squad, all bar three players in fact, play their football in the North Korean leagues while none whatsoever has proven so far that they’re good enough for Europe. That doesn’t bode at all well and after watching them against Nigeria just before the finals when losing 3-1, it wasn’t hard to see why. If North Korea concede early then we fear the worst.

Match Odds:

Brazil – 1.11 SkyBet
Draw – 11.00 Bodog
North Korea – 34.00 VCbet

Our Prediction: Brazil to WIN – 1.11 SkyBet

If Dunga’s Brazil don’t land the spoils in this contest it would be the biggest upset in the history of the World Cup. Even a draw would reverberate around South Africa, but that won’t happen and while no team is ever a certainty to come through, there really shouldn’t be any doubt about Brazil overhauling a talentless North Korea. Like we said earlier, this game provides the Brazil forwards with an ample opportunity to bolster their international records with a few goals if they assert themselves right from kick-off.

There are several among the Brazil team which arrive in South Africa off the back of poor domestic campaigns looking to show their worth on the international stage. While it may only be North Korea, an impressive display from the likes of Kaka, Robinho, Elano and Fabiano would rekindle their hopes and aspirations heading into next seasons domestic campaigns.

Our Recommended Bet: Robinho & Kaka Both to Score – 4.50 SkyBet

Algeria

Pre-World Friendly Form: WL

Republic of Ireland 3-0 Algeria
Algeria 1-0 UAE

One of England’s opponents in Group C, Algeria were thrashed by one of England’s neighbours when the travelled to Ireland to take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The Irish cruised to a 3-0 win against a toothless Algeria, with the African’s messy and lacking organisation in defence. It doesn’t bode well for the Algerians, after all, Republic or Ireland are nothing in comparison to England and the fact Algeria rarely troubled the ROI goal will be a concern for coach Rabah Saadane.

Algeria did make amends in their final warm up game however, registering a 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates thus ensuring the Algerian’s went into their first World Cup game against Slovenia with something to shout about. Wolfsburg Karim Ziani with the game’s only goal, Algeria’s one and only in their two pre-World Cup friendlies.

Argentina

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Argentina 5-0 Canada

Diego Maradona clearly didn’t see the point in scheduling a load of friendlies in before the finals, opting instead to keep his squad fresh ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Nigeria on June 12th. However, the one and only pre-World Cup friendly they did play finished with an impressive Argentine victory, smashing North Americans Canada 5-0 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Amongst the scorers was Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez with a brace, Benfice’s wonderkid Angel Di Maria, Man City’s Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, as Argentina ran riot in the Argentine capital.

The talk beforehand surrounding Argentina has been the wide array of striking talent Maradona has at his disposal; Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Diego Milito, and against lowly Canada, Argentina shown exactly why everyone is hyping up their chances, especially in regards to finishing the tournament with the most amount of goals scored.

Australia

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Australia 1-0 Denmark
USA 3-1 Australia

Pim Verbeek, Australia coach, pencilled in several friendlies ahead of the finals and must be under the impression that his Aussie players were rusty and needed to tweak their match sharpness before their Group D opener against three-time World Cup winners Germany. Despite obtaining a winning result in their final home international before the World Cup, Australia were ordinary at best throughout their clash with international neighbours New Zealand. However, a late strike from Holman ensured the euphoric Aussie support would say their goodbyes with celebrations. It would appear Verbeek was correct in his identification of a rusty squad as with a first pre-World Cup friendly victory under their belts, Australia recorded an impressive 1-0 win over fellow World Cup participant Denmark.

However, in their final game before facing Germany in Durban on June 13th, Australia were given a bit of a pasting by the United States, losing 3-1 to the Americans, with Tim Cahill grabbing the only Aussie goal. No longer will Pim Verbeek’s Australia head into the World Cup with immaculate, the complete opposite in fact after their USA humbling.

Brazil

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil
Tanzania – Brazil

Just the two friendlies for the five-time World Cup winners starting with a bizarre although money spinning trip to Zimbabwe in Harare. The opening exchanges went, surprisingly, the way of Zimbabwe as ‘The Warriors’ carved out a number of glorious opportunities, even walloping a shot against the woodwork. It wasn’t until 42 minutes when Brazil found some confidence, as a free-kick from left-back Michael Bastos was rifled into the top corner of the Zimbabwe net. The ‘Samba Kings’ didn’t look back thereafter and just minutes later doubled their lead through Robinho. In the second half Zimbabwe lost their erly first period swagger which seen them cause the Brazil defence all sort of problems, with Lucio in particular all over the place, and after a sweet passing move involving Baptista and Alves, Elano prodded home into an empty net to complete the rout. Hardly convincing stuff from the tournament’s second favourites but a win nonetheless, while there’s getting away from the fact that all three of Brazil’s goal were sublime.

Brazil’s second and final warm up match will be against Tanzania on June 7th. Another game they should win rather comfortably.

Cameroon

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLDD

Georgia 0-0 Cameroon
Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon

Paul Le Guen publicly expressed his concern over the Cameroon team by scheduling four friendlies, more than most of the remaining 31 participants. The fact none of the four went the ‘Indomitable Lions’ way leads to many an alarm bell ringing in the Cameroon camp. Against Georgia, a team which struggled throughout qualifying, Le Guen’s men could only muster a 0-0 draw, as chances were few and far between for Cameroon. Their second warm up game did see them score, although it was the scrappiest goal you’ll ever see, as Enoh’s scruffy goal levelled the scoring against a more adventurous Slovakia. Their third, arguably their most difficult on paper, was against Portugal of which they found themselves completely outclassed. A 3-1 defeat to one of the weakest Portugal teams in recent history doesn’t bode well, while Eto’s dismissal in the first half won’t have gone down too well back home whatsoever.

In their final game before the finals, Cameroon put in their best attacking display thus far but still came away with nothing to show for their efforts, with the 4-3 loss to Serbia leaving Cameroon winless after four pre-World Cup warm up matches. They were. Though, without the suspended Samuel Eto so coach Paul Le Guen can at least take some heart from Cameroon’s three goal exploits without their superstar forward on the pitch. His defence, however, has now conceded eight goals in four goals and that has to be of great concern for the coach.

Chile

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWWL

Mexico 1-0 Chile
Chile 3-0 Zambia
Chile 1-0 Northern Ireland
Chile 3-0 Israel

While Chile have played more friendlies recently than most, they exactly overextended themselves in either. Two, though, were comfortable 3-0 wins, thus reinforcing the comments made by many experts claiming Chile can and will score goals in South Africa. Zambia and Israel were both despatched with a touch of class, but their second string could only conjure a narrow 1-0 win over Northern Ireland which does have us drawing up conclusions that Chile’s strength in depth isn’t great. Even so, eight goals in four games isn’t to be sniffed at, and neither is three successive clean sheets.

Chile will be the last of two teams to take to their field in a warm up match ahead of the finals in South Africa, with New Zealand awaiting them on June 9th.

Cote d’Ivoire

Pre-World Friendly Form: WD

Paraguay 2-2 Ivory Coast
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast

New Les Elephants coach Sven Goran Eriksson, a manager which took England to the quarter-finals at Japan/Korea in 2002, didn’t dither when selecting his sides pre-World Cup friendlies when choosing games against two South Africa-bound teams in Paraguay and Japan. Their first clash ended 2-2 with Paraguay, a game which produced as many negatives for Eriksson as positives. Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, found chances in front of goal easy to come by although putting them away was another matter, with captain Drogba in particular wasteful. They did, though, power their way into a 2-0 lead with goals from Drogba and Bamba, but goals from Barrios and Torres cancelled out some early Les Elephants celebrations leaving Sven to ponder over his sides in complacency issues, as well as some arrogance in front of goal.

Their second and final warm up game ended in disaster despite beating Japan in a straightforward manner. Goals from Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure were enough for Sven’s Les Elephants to record a vital victory ahead of their opener against Portugal on June 16th, however, the win came at a heavy price as captain Drogba now looks destined to miss the entirety of the finals after fracturing his arm.

Denmark

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLW

Denmark 2-0 Senegal
Australia 1-0 Denmark
South Africa 1-0 Denmark

The Danes have looked in good nick during their warm up encounters despite falling to a narrow defeat in one of them. Their one loss came against Australia in a game neither side really deserved to win, but in their first run-out against African side Senegal, Denmark displayed the sort of solid, reliable and clinical traits that seen them finish above Portugal and Sweden in qualifying.

Despite fielding a strong and experienced starting eleven in their last game before the finals against South Africa, Denmark fell to pretty shocking 1-0 defeat to the hosts South Africa. The Danes were toothless and wasteful in front of goal and paid the price with defeat. It leaves Olson’s Danes winless once again following their 1-0 loss to Australia days earlier. Far from ideal form heading into a game against Holland on June 14th.

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil

Goals: M. Bastos, Robinho, Elano

Greece 0-2 Paraguay

Goals: E. Vera, L. Barrios

Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras

Serbia 0–0 Poland

Wednesday wasn’t the best of days for World Cup sides, with Greece, Honduras and Serbia all failing to picking up some valuable winning momentum.

Brazil were the first to kick off Wednesday’s proceedings with a 3-0 win over in Zimbabwe. The scoreline will have armchair punters assuming it was a cruise for Dunga’s men. That wasn’t the case however, as Zimbabwe were sprite and lively in attack and caused Brazil’s defence plenty of problems. Goals from Bastos, Robinho and Elano were enough for the five-time champions to record their first international win ahead of the finals.

The Greeks were beaten 2-0 by South Americans Paraguay – Lucas Barrios scoring his third goal in as many internationals – While Manchester City’s Roque Santa Cruz also picking up some valuable pitch minutes. Greece have now gone two friendlies without a win after drawing with North Korea in their last outing, while Paraguay pushed on from their Ivory Coast comeback, clawing back a two goal deficit against Les Elephants to earn a 2-2 draw, to register a win which should boost the confidence levels of the players.

Honduras were held to a 0-0 draw by Azerbaijan despite the Europeans being reduced to 10 men in the latter stages. That’s now the second pre-World Cup friendly draw in a row for the North Americans following their 2-2 draw with Belarus last week. Rueda’s men have yet to face a team of real international quality and the concerns over their chances in South Africa next week are mounting after two hugely disappointing results.

Serbia continued where they left off against New Zealand, frustrating their hostile followers with another poor result. The Serbians were beaten 1-0 by the Kiwi’s last week, one of the biggest turn ups thus far during this friendly warm up period, resulting in Serbia supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch in an act of disgust. This recent setback, a 0-0 draw with Poland, won’t have gone down at all well with the supporters either, and whereas Serbia were shaping up as one of the possible ‘Dark Horses’ for the summer’s showcase event, they are instead looking like a fish out of water.

In what appeared a peculiar match up at first glance actually presented several sub-plots, as well as a thoroughly entertaining affair in Harare. Zimbabwe, ranked 113 in the world, were the hosts as they competed against a nation which topped the latest FIFA Rankings in World Cup kings Brazil. The South American’s were looking to stretch their unbeaten run over African sides further while the Zimbabwe players were aiming to become the first Zimbabwians to score against the five-time World champs. As far as we’re aware, Brazil’s final warm up after this trip to Zimbabwe would be against Tanzania, so considering this was their one and only friendly since the beginning of March it was a bizarre decision from the Brazil management to pencil in a game which, on paper anyway, wouldn’t test their Brazilian squad.

There were conspiracies before kick-off with news that Brazil were paid $1.8Mil to play this friendly in Zimbabwe and that Brazil, because they were being paid a handsome amount, weren’t going to turn up and send the home fans home deflated with a hammering of their ‘Warriors’ side. And with 30 minutes of the game gone and Zimbabwe unlucky not to have taken the lead on no less than three occasions, those pre-match rumours were beginning to sound a tad realistic. Even we were caught off guard however by the pace of some of Zimbabwe’s players, as well was Lucio, with the Inter Milan stalwart run ragged in the opening exchanges and exposed by outright pace.

With half-an-hour played, onlookers would have been forgiven for thinking Zimbabwe were the team ranked No. 1 in the world after carving out numerous opportunities. Brazil aren’t five-time World Cup winners without having a shade of luck by their side and although their first goal on 42 minutes had nothing to do with luck – Michael Bastos scoring a sublime free-kick, leathering his shot into the top left-hand corner of the goal – the fact Brazil spent the majority of the first quarter under the cosh but still managed to etch out the first goal displays the characteristics of a successful side. If the hosts felt they were hard done by with Brazil’s delightful opener, the ‘Samba Kings’ second just two minutes later will have been like daggers to the heart, Robinho doubling Brazil’s lead.

Kaka, amongst a couple others, was replaced at half-time after picking up a knock in the first half. Julio Cesar, Brazil’s commander between the sticks, exited proceedings ever earlier, after just 25 minutes in fact, and we await news of a likely injury. Daniel Alves and Julio Baptista made appearances in the second half and the pair linked up nicely for Brazil’s third, with Elano capping off a swift one-touch move by tapping into an empty net. And that’s how the game in Harare finished, with Brazil eventually winning a touch cosily. Zimbabwe though, despite first impressions, provided Dunga’s men with a stern test this afternoon, especially at the back. It was also intruiging to see how the Brazil back four coped with some pacey Zimbabwe individuals, and the results weren’t good. Something Dunga will need to work on in the remaining few days before Brazil take on North Korea on June 15th.

The 3-0 win also ensured Brazil avoided crashing to their first ever defeat to an African side, although their unbeatable record against African opponents will be well and truly on the line when they face arguably the toughest African nation in South Africa, Sven Goran Eriksson’s Ivory Coast on June 20th.

Dunga will lead Brazil into battle one final time before the finals, with Selecao put through their paces for a final time against Tanzania on June 9th.

Goals: M. Bastos, Robinho and Elano

World-Cup-Betting MOTM: Michael Bastos – Looked lively at left-back, bombing forward with real intent and purposes but was equally impressive when having to track back and get in a tackle. Looks to have cemented that full-back position ahead of finals.

Zimbabwe V Brazil

Wednesday, 2nd June – 14:30 GMT
International Friendly
Harare, Zimbabwe

It is always interesting to see which teams the coaches hand-pick to face their team in preparation for a major tournament. Generally, coaches choose teams which will provide their players with a more than adequate test, allowing the manager to assess his entire squad ahead of some important upcoming games. At the weekend we seen England take on Japan, Paraguay clash with Ivory Coast and New Zealand record a surprise victory over Serbia. So surely Brazil, the second favourites to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be unphased by whichever prospect comes their way, but even their scheduled game against one of Africa’s minnows will have surprised the locals, and perhaps even the squad.

ON Wednesday, June 2nd, a little under two weeks before Brazil take on Portugal in their opening World Cup encounter, Selecao will meet with a nation ranked 112 places below them in the FIFA Rankings, Zimbabwe. Even we were caught off-guard by Dunga’s decision to pencil in a warm up date with a country more renowned for their cricket than their football exploits, as well their controversial politics. Of course, some will say Brazil are that good that they don’t need to be tested to the max, that their envious strength in depth and a squad full to the brim of world-class talent will deliver the goods regardless of whether or not they are put through their paces just days before the finals.

This could actually turn out to be a neat little ploy for Dunga, who has come under fire of late for his decision to not include some of Brazil’s flair players, the likes of Adriano, Pato and Ronaldinho omitted, and instead opt for a more rounded team, with just as many quality replacements in defence than in midfield and up front, the two latter areas are where the fans pin most of their attentions on as they’re used to seeing some magical football from Brazil in the final third of the pitch, but Dunga wants stability over exuberance, putting more emphasis on nailing down some solid foundations rather than building a side with all-out flair and forward thinkers, and is willing to put his reputation in jeopardy over it. The plus point though of this game is Brazil could score a good five or six, possibly even more, and that may well be enough to keep the critics at bay for now. Then again, were Brazil to register a tight win over a nation which has never qualified for te finals of a World Cup, the backlash could be enormous. It’s a gamble and one Dunga can only win with an emphatic victory.

Dunga is expected to name a strong starting eleven, although a weak Brazil eleven would appear an impossible feat. The Inter Milan pairing of Lucio and Maicon are expected to start after winning the UEFA Champions League title 11 days ago, as well should Julio Cesar in goal. Despite the low stature of their opponents, Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva are in line to start in midfield behind Kaka. A headstrong Robinho, after enjoying his loan spell to Santos in Brazil, may be rewarded with a spot in left-midfield/left-wing while Elano should start on the right. However, Andre Santos is the usual left-back for Brazil, but for this game we could see Michael Bastos of Lyon handed a left-back trial, as that is the position where Dunga has allocated for Bastos. Striker Nilmar will definitely play a part in proceedings at some stage, also.

So, who exactly are Zimbabwe in regards to international football?

• Nicknamed ‘The Warriors’, Zimbabwe have never qualified for the finals of a World Cup and didn’t participate in their first African Cup of Nations until 2004 where they were knocked out in just the first phase of the tournament.
• Two of their regulars in the national team ply their trade over in England, with Manchester City’s Benjani the more notable star. Plymouth Argyle’s Onismor Bhasera is another who features for Zimbabwe.
• Their all-time leading scorer also has the most caps, with Peter Ndlovu scoring 38 goals in 100 appearances although has been retired from the international game since 2006.
• The closest Zimbabwe came to qualifying for a World Cup was back in 1994 when they finished second in a three-team Group, two points behind Cameroon.
• Zimbabwe are currently ranked 113 according to the FIFA Rankings.

Match Odds:

Zimbabwe – 17.00 VCbet
Draw – 8.00 bWin
Brazil – 1.13 Bet365

Dunga said there would be no surprises with his squad selection, and, well, there kind of was, at least from an outsiders point of view, as both Ronaldinho and Adriano missed the cut yesterday afternoon in Dunga’s 23-man squad.

In fairness, it wasn’t too surprising to see the latter, Adriano, miss out on playing in South Africa after a poor couple of seasons and never really coming to the plate when on international duty despite scoring 27 goals in 48 caps. The absence of Ronaldinho however, now that did raise a few eyebrows, as the former two-time World Player of the Year has enjoyed some good form on the whole during the course of the seasons with AC Milan, with the rumours circulating that 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil would sneak his way bay into the Brazil fold.

Also, another casualty was Alexandre Pato, another AC Milan forward which didn’t get a look in after a season of poor form and many injuries.

So, the headline in Brazil is it’s going to be a World Cup without Ronaldinho, which seems a tad strange, although Ronaldinho isn’t the same player which won back-to-back Player of the Year titles in 2004 and 2005. However, many big names were included; Luis Fabiano of Seville will spearhead the Brazil attack, perhaps alongside Nilmar, who has been a favourite selection of Dunga throughout qualification. Robinho may have flopped back in England for Manchester City but his return home to Brazil has sparked a resurgence in his personal form, one which has resulted in a call up from Dunga for his international services. Wolfsburg’s Grafite, top goalscorer in the 2008-2009 German Bundesliga, was the surprise inclusion overall and looks set to play reserve striker during the finals.

Dunga’s Midfield picks look a tad conservative in comparison to previous Brazil squads, with Kaka and Kleberson the only real flair players named in the Brazil Midfield. Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo, both holding Midfielders, were both called up, as well was Elano, formerly of Man City, a highly rated Ramires from Benfica and Michael Bastos of Lyon.

The Brazil defence, somewhat surprisingly, looks very strong considering the general idea of a Brazil side is they have a potent attack and a less reliable defence. That doesn’t seem to be the case this time around, with Brazil’s defence packing plenty of punch; Lucio, captain for Brazil, was a certainty after impressing with new club Inter Milan, Luisao will stand head and shoulders above most forwards, while Dani Alves, Maicon, both forward thinking players down in the wing-back positions, Juan and Thiago Silva make up the six defenders heading to South Africa.

It looks a well rounded squad, not overly excessive with flair nor has it been overloaded with forwards. Dunga has always stated he wanted to get the Brazilians playing with balance, to show they can play more as a team rather than rely on their fire-power up front, and some of choices reinstate his views.

Dunga’s men will play their part in what appears likely to be a fascinating ‘Group of Death’ where the likes of Ivory Coast and Portugal await them, as well do the North Koreans in Group G.

Brazil 23-Man Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Doni, Heurelho Gomes

Defenders: Maicon, Dani Alves, Lucio, Juan, Luisao, Thiago Silva, Gilberto

Midfielders: Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Josue, Elano, Ramires, Kleberson, Kaka

Forwards: Julio Baptista, Robinho, Nilmar Luis Fabiano