Confederations Cup: Brazil Stay Loose Ahead of USA Match

Training the day before their second Group B game against the United States, the Brazilians were in a jovial mood.

PRETORIA, South Africa – A team that laughs together wins together. This is the essence of the Brazilian football philosophy, even more than the famous samba jogo bonito that has thrilled fans worldwide for decades.

In their Confederations Cup opener on Monday, Brazil beat African champions Egypt, 4-3, and despite taking the three points, they’ve come under criticism for their performance, particularly for conceding three goals. But you’d never know there was any pressure on them by watching their Wednesday afternoon training session here in the South African capital. The Selecao prepared for their second group game against the United States with a loose, laughter-filled training session at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Under the supervision of assitant coaches, the session opens with a big game of keepaway: three in the middle of a big circle, one touch. Here personalities emerge. Robinho, the impish tap-dancer, is like a jestering, with feints and mischievious touches. Kaka is the calm impresario; when the $92 million man makes a bad pass, the team revels in the mistake. Pato plays quietly, smiling at the jokes but rarely saying anything--a teenager among grown men.

On the sideline, manager Dunga watched casually, sometimes stopping to chat with a federation delegate. He’s not a man to worry about every little detail. Which isn’t to say he doesn’t notice them. Dunga’s composed leadership as a player are ably reproduced as a manager.

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After a few more minutes of warming up, the team began a scrimmage: 10 on 10, half-field, and the width of the penalty area. In other words, the play was quick in the the small compact areas, and the passes sharp and clever. And competitive. Goals were celebrated—like when Pato slammed a shot past TK and his team shouted his name—and the defense was more physical than one would expect in a pregame training session.

Oddly, or perhaps because he is suffering for fitness, Kaka’, Real Madrid’s new jewel, played defense for his side during the scrimmage, along side Dani Alves. Not that his team needed him in the attack: Kaka’s team, which looked a lot like it could be the starting eleven, included Pato and Luis Fabiano. They won easily.

In his press conference before training, Dunga repeatedly mentioned the lack of fitness of his players, which prompted questions about possible changes from the team that started against Egypt.

“This afternoon we’re going to carry out some tests,” Dunga said. Then he smiled and added, “Not blood tests. But tests on the field. No point doing two blood tests on the same player, or he will be without any blood.”

The manager admitted that the side might see some changes, particularly given the lack of satisfactory condition of some of his players.

“We have to overcome the physical conditions that we face,” he said. “Once you get on to the pitch, you have to give 100%. I have other players waiting to match the positions of the players who are on the field.”

Rumors among the Brazilian press say that popular Sao Paulo defender Miranda will come in for Juan in the defense, Corinthians winger Andre Santos will replace Kleber on the left, and Cruzeiro midfielder Ramires will take over for Elano. The three new potential starters have just three caps among them, with Andre Santos set to debut for his country.

Brazil are second in Group B, tied with Italy for points but behind in goal differential. The USA are at the bottom of the group. Thursday’s game will mark the first meeting between the two since a friendly in Chicago in 2007, won by Brazil, 4-2.

( Greg Lalas / Goal )