I didnt expect Ronaldinho to go, Dunga trusted him in his first call ups but Ronaldinho never repaid his confidence. I wouldn't call him either, apart from that game vs England in 2002, he never did much for the Brazilian team. When he was at his peak, in 2006, having just been considered the best player in the world, he didn't make any difference in the World Cup. I'd rather call Ganso, who is a young lad willing to show he's worth it, as a backup for Kaká.
Dunga is so pragmatic, he said many times there wouldnt be many surprises and he really meant it. But a lot of these players are contested. Josué is one of them. He is a decent defensive midfielder but not the quality you are used to see in a Brazilian team. Same goes for Gilberto Silva, definately past his best and now playing in Greece. And even though Felipe Melo has been great for Brazil, he's had an awful season with Juventus. Both left backs are no longer left backs - Gilberto became an attacking midfielder and Bastos is playing as a winger. Elano is a decent squad player for his versatiliy but many people criticise his untouchable position in Dunga's team. Apart from set pieces, he doesnt offer much. Kleberson, as I said, is a terrible joke. He's contested at Flamengo, so it doesnt make any sense to take him to a World Cup. After the World Cup 2002, in which he played well, he was a joke in Europe and has been very inconsistent at Flamengo since 2008. But calling a player for what he did 8 years ago is bullshit. Let's take Rivaldo and Ronaldo then
Julio Baptista is far from being the kind of attacking midfielder of a Brazilian team - not enough creativity, flair, etc. Kind of stuff you could have with Ronaldinho or Ganso, for example. But he's a hard worker and has been good under Dunga, which is all he wants, really. He didnt call Neymar, even though he has been Santos' best striker, while Robinho is nothing but a coadjuvant to Neymar and Ganso - yet Robinho will start every game for Brazil under Dunga, always.
It's a good squad of course but could of been much better. But at least Dunga shows confidence in his own decisions and is trying to build a disciplined team with players who really want to play for Brazil and respect him. I cant help but think of the World Cup 1994, in which Dunga was the captain of the so called 'worst' Brazilian winning squad. But I loved 94 and would love if he could win it again as a manager. I can't say I really trust Dunga but here's hope he'll keep the results coming now, which is all that matters in the end.
He's had good results so far, with the Copa America and Confederations Cup titles, and the 1st place in South American qualifying games. But we had done the same prior to the WC 06 and it didnt mean anything back then.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2010 06:38:11 pm by Diego LFC »
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