The 18—Yard Box

World Cup, Germany—2006

Brazil

The World Champions.

Five Times.
Text Box: Statistics: FIFA Rank : 1 Qualification Position : 1st in Qualification. The Brazilian National Football team is the most feared team on the planet. Consider the facts: The only team to appear in all editions of the World Cup. Five international crowns. Seven continental crowns. Two intercontinental crowns. Current international champions. Current continental champions. Current intercontinental champions. Phew… You can see why most teams shake at the knees when they have to face Brazil. Brazil cruised through the South American Qualifiers, coming in at first place and being beaten only twice – once by Ecuador and once by arch rivals, Argentina. Brazil scored 35 goals, 6 more than closest rivals Argentina and failed to keep out only 17, the lowest number by all South American nations save Columbia, which only conceded 16. Brazil looks in deadly touch, and has a wealth of young, exciting players arriving on the international scene, but one has to feel there are cracks developing beneath the surface. The last major tournament the Brazilian National played was the FIFA Confederations cup in 2005, in Germany. Drawn with Mexico, Japan and Greece, Brazil disappointed in the qualifications, managing ‘only’ a second spot. The campaign started brightly with a 3-0 drubbing of continental champions Greece, but they disappointingly lost to Mexico 1-0 and then drew with Japan. However, having qualified, Brazil soon hit their stride and beat Germany in a tension filled match, 3-2. They then ran cartwheels around Argentina, annihilating them 4-1. Brazil’s Adriano won both the Golden Shoe and the Golden Ball for his five goals in the tournament. The Brazilians are placed in a rather tricky group this year – with the Croatians, the Japanese and the Australians. All three may prove to be tricky teams and although on paper, the Brazilians ought to win without any problem, things might get a little dicey on the pitch. Group F: Their rivals this year are: Croatia – The Croats have been in excellent form, topping their table and beating Sweden twice in the bargain. Finishing unbeaten, Croatia has a measly defense, and they conceded only five times thorough the whole qualification campaign. The Croats have an excellent attack as well, boasting of strikers such as Dado Prso, Darijo Srna and Ivan Klasnić. Japan – Japan became the first team in the world to qualify for the World Cup, under the guidance of the Brazillian legend, Zico. The two time Asian Champions waltzed through to the finals, scoring 16 goals and conceding only one in their initial group. The finished winning 11 of the 12 they participated in. However, Japan had some extremely poor opposition, and although they have the best midfield in Asia, their prowess will be tested and they will be hoping to qualify for the second round. Australia – Australia this year have a good team, and players like Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer, Brett Emerton and Tim Cahill who are familiar players in the premiership. However, their most potent weapon is perhaps not a player – the wily Gus Hiddink. Australia will be looking to score for their first time in two appearances come this July.