Brazil 2-0 USA: Say Hallo to Neymar

August 11th, 2010 | by: Daryl |

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Brazil. After the more pragmatic and less exciting Dunga years (an approach which won the Copa America and Confederations Cup, but failed at World Cup 2010) new coach Mano Menezes seems to have his team playing the way we all – rightly or wrongly – expect Brazil to play. Even better, he’s doing it with kids.

This new look Brazil beat the USA 2-0 in New Jersey last night. No more Gilberto Silva playing defensive mid in this team, no more workhorses. Just lots of passing, moving and dribbling.

Even established stars like Kaka were not called for this game (though I’m sure he’ll be back). Instead we had the youth and exuberance of international debutant Neymar, who scored the first goal with his head but mostly impressed by playing wide left and terrorizing American defenders. I’ll bet good money that Jonathan Spector had nightmares about little men with mohawks. Alexandre Pato got Brazil’s second, rounding Tim Howard after Ramires had split the US defence with one pass. Ganso did the playmaking, and was unlucky not to score when his shot bounced back off the post towards the end of the game.

Robinho wore the captain’s armband, which may have been because Menezes wanted to send a message about what his team will be like, but is more likely because Robinho was the most experienced player on an inexperienced team. But still: Robinho wore the captain’s armband. I’m going to keep typing that until it makes sense.

Of course this was only one game, and it was a semi-experimental friendly. But the way Brazil passed the ball, dominated play, and made fools of US defenders means that Brazil will at the very least be fun to watch again under Menenez. Roll on Copa America 2011.

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sandra350

Daryl, Robinho wore the captain's armband because this new team is based around 4 Santos players who just won the Copa do Brasil (=FA cup) and also won the Sao Paulo state championship. They are right now riding very high on success in Brazil and Robinho IS THE CAPTAIN OF SANTOS. He's been Santos' captain for some time now, and has done a fantastic job.

Robinho led Santos to the recent Copa do Brasil win last week — the 1st time Santos won that competition.

With Robinho, people outside Brazil have to understand (to borrow an excellent phrase used by a blogger over on the Brazil blog called Kenny): there's the European Robinho and the Brazilian Robinho. In Brazil he's hugely popular because he's been playing so well for Santos and has been an excellent captain.

In Europe, of course, he's been hugely underwhelming. It's because he simply isn't as motivated in Europe as he is when he plays in Brazil or for the national team. He should stay in Brazil.
Stuart

Damn. That could/should have been SO much uglier on the final tally. USA got a good lesson in the difference between world-class and second-class.
winlooseordrawBrasilismyteam

From what you said Robinho seems to be the opposite of Ronaldinho. It is suggested elsewhere that 'Dinho played is heart and soul out for AC Milan (Club matches), but when it comes to playing for the National Team he whittered away. lol.
I have never seen/watched Robinho played for his clubs(City, Santos..)only when he plays for Brazil, and he just does not impress me much. And to me he is more intersting in scoring then even to pass or build a score/goal.
sandra350

Robinho was great yesterday, fantastic thru balls, constantly creating chances, always working hard
brentonwalters

Sorry, I thought this was a real match report, then I read that Jonathan Spector was playing. Hah! Good one.
lorrigg

I agree he would be better staying in Brazil. I was at the US game in the Meadowlands and he was way more effective than some critics mentioned. He did really well, worked so hard and worked very nicely with Neymar.
lorrigg

Funny you should say “And to me he is more intersting in scoring then even to pass or build a score/goal”. It was the complete opposite at the US game…he really supplied the ball well and worked with his teammates.
winlooseordrawBrasilismyteam

sounds as if robinho played well in this match. I will have to start noticing him better than before.