Introduction

The greatest extravaganza on the planet is about to kickoff on the 9th of June 2006. Yes, the FIFA World Cup ’06 is all set to kick off in Germany in about a fortnight’s

time. As all the excitement and dust settles down it is time for the footballers to take the center stage and give a demonstration of the beautiful game which is why football is so popular the world over. So who are the contenders and the pretenders for the biggest prize of them all. This series looks into some of the teams that you need to watch out for. This article is about the Samba Boys

Samba Boys

If there is one country which performs on the football field like a ballerina on a dance floor it is the Samba boys, The Brazilians. Called the Samba Boys for the distinctive Samba beat and the fan following all over the world, no other team has achieved more success than the Brazilians in this showpiece event.

History

Since 1930, Brazil has been a part of every single football world cup. They have won the cup 5 times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002. As the current holders, Brazil are one of the top favorites for the top prize this year too. Apart from winning it 5 times, they have been runners up twice and have finished in third place twice.

Brazil have always boasted of great players who could make the ball do wonders. Pele, the greatest footballer till date, led them to three world cups in the 60s and the 70s. He was not alone, amongst others there were the likes of Zico, Socrates, Garrincha and during the later half of the century, the likes of Dunga, Roberto Carlos, Cafu have brought so much joy onto the football field. No wonder they have the maximum fan following for any footballing nation.

The Current Team

A brief look at the current team and you know why they are going to be the team to beat in Germany. The team is led by the legendary right back Cafu. If there was a human being running on an inexhaustible engine, then Cafu has to be the one. Known for his piercing runs down the opponents flank delivering those deadly crosses for the hungry forwards, Cafu is an explosive right back to say the least. At 36 he might be old, but he still can outrun many a 20 year olds when he decides to. His backup Cicinho is not doing too bad. The Real Madrid right back seems the perfect apprentice if his first season at Madrid is any indication.

At the other end, Roberto Carlos still packs the strongest punch or kick any left foot has in the footballing history so far. The Real Madrid left back also comes packed with an inexhaustible engine and is nothing short of a pocket dynamo. Any freekicks awarded to Brazil even at a 45 yard distance from the goal would have Carlos smacking his lips and the goalie sweating.

The center of the defence is one minor concern for Brazil though. Bayern Munich’s Lucio has become one of the best central defenders of the world in recent times and will be the wall for Brazil at the back, but partnering him the likes of Juan, Luisao, Cris are just about there in terms of international standards. So this is one area of concern for the Brazilians. Dida used to be a picture of composure under the AC Milan goal, but since the Champions league final at Istanbul against Liverpool when he shipped in three goals, he has not looked the most comfortable. Given the history of Brazilian goalkeepers who have been great shot stoppers, Dida still has some way to go. But his experience of playing in Europe might be very valuable for the team.

Now coming to the midfield and the forward lineup wherein the Brazil is spoilt for choices. Coach Carlos Alberto Perreira has to choose between Emerson, Ze Roberto, Gilberto Silva and Edmilson for one or two defensive midfielders. Carlos’ current favorites seem to be Emerson and Ze Roberto, but Gilberto Silva’s recent form with Arsenal might put him into the frame. Kaka and Ronaldinho walk into the roles of Attacking Midfielders in any team hands down. Ronaldinho is the FIFA world player of the year for the second year running and given his form with Barcelona, he is going to be the star to watch out for at the world cup. Kaka in any other team would be the biggest superstar of the team, but has to live under the shadows of the likes of Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in Brazil. The excellent playmaker from AC Milan would be another player to watch. Also watch down the left flank for that kid of the block, Robinho. Already in his first full season with Real Madrid the kid has scored some of the most eye pleasing goals of the season. Spare a thought for Lyon’s playmaker Juninho Perumbucano, who might have walked into most teams, but at Brazil he is at best a squad rotation player.

Up front, you have that explosive predator, Ronaldo on the prowl. Stung by the recent criticism at Real Madrid, "The Phenom" Ronaldo looks hungry to prove himself at the world cup and that does not augur well for the other teams. Partnering The Phenom is Adriano, the much under-estimated clinical striker from Inter Milan. While Ronaldo would be the center of attraction for most defenders expect Adriano to sneak in some crucial goals.

Predictions

Expect a lot of goals from the Samba boys from the group stage till the knockout stages. It has been 24 years since a South American side has won in Europe, but guess which was the team to have won 24 years ago, yes it was Brazil. So if anybody can do it again, then it has to be Brazil.

Resources

If you are the fans of the Samba boys and want to know more about the yellow fever, check out the following links:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/team/overview.html?team=bra

http://www.futebolthebrazilianwayoflife.com/archive.shtml

Who is your favorite sports player in this field?

Ronaldinho