Lucas and Neymar lift the trohpy (Mowa Press)
For the first time in Mano Menezes’ era as coach, Brazil finally came good against one of the heavyweights of world football. They beat Argentina 2-0 in Belém last night with goals from youngsters Lucas and Neymar. After the two teams drew in Argentina a fortnight ago, this meant that Brazil lift the Superclássico das Américas trophy. Of course this trophy means absolutely nothing in the greater scheme of things judging by reports (I didn’t watch the game) Brazil played some good stuff.
Borges finally made his debut for Brazil at 30 years of age (turning 31 on 5 October). He is a bit of a journeyman having spent time with São Paulo, Grêmio, Paraná and Japanese team Vegalta Sendai but he has been in excellent form for Santos this year and fully deserves his chance. Another golden oldie in favour at the moment is Ronaldinho who again showed his class. How important will he be in Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup I wonder? By the looks of things very important.
But it was Brazil’s new generation of youngsters that stole the show last night. Lucas (São Paulo FC’s young winger not Lucas that player for Liverpool) got a rare start and didn’t disappoint. He opened the scoring for Brazil early in the second half and Neymar scored Brazil’s second. Debutant left back Cortês made a good run for Neymar’s goal and definitely looks like he can play. Botafogo fans already know that but what a rise to stardom: at the start of the season he was playing for Nova Iguaçu (a team that aren’t even in the top four divisions nationally in Brazil)!
A bit more happiness and style to Brazil’s play is clearly back which is great. The screaming crowd in Belém surely helped things too. Brazil don’t normally get such a good reception when they play in São Paulo and Rio. Perhaps they should play all their games in Belém! So, did anybody see the game? Have any opinions about Brazil? What can we learn from this performance?
It looks like Bruno Cortês and Lucas deserve some more game time. Ronaldinho and Neymar reaffirmed their importance to this team. Anything else? What about Ralf, Danilo, Rí´mulo and Dedé? Are they worth another shot?
Jefferson; Danilo, Dedé, Réver and Cortês (Kleber); Ralf, Rí´mulo and Lucas (Diego Souza); Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Neymar and Borges (Fred)
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there was a fantastic atmosphere in the Mangueirão – perhaps starved of top flight football for so long they appreciated seeing Brazil’s new stars in action.
a much-needed win for Menezes (albeit against a second-string Argentina) and a good run out for players such as Botafogo’s Cortês
Thanks for the comment Pitacodogringo (i.e. Brazilian football expert and commentator)!
Menezes must be relieved after that one I agree!
I wonder if the likes of Cortês, Dedé, Rí´mulo and Ralf will get a game when the European players are back?
I’m still shocked that Fernandiho keeps getting called up. Did you know he has the same agent as Mano Menezes? Something dodgy about that surely!
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