Brazil to take the field against Croatia

[burythehatchet]

The greatest show on Earth. Want a taste? Watch this video of the greatest thing to come out of Brazil since the Girl from Ipanema.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fkrq1TtrsJo&search=ronaldinho

[TahitiNut]

1. The class of world class soccer. Not just Ronaldinho, though.

Brazil defines the essence of soccer - its joy! Watch them all - passing, stealing, tackling, dribbling, and smiling. They're men that still play like kids on dirt. It's ballet.

Croatia's not a pushover, though. Far from it. This COULD be the best match so far. The field will sure be full of talent.

[burythehatchet]

2. In my fantasy life I live in Brazil and just watch them play

I love to watch these guys.

[TahitiNut]

3. Do I ever understand! Mentally, I can hear Bobby McFerrin ...

... when I watch them play. (I think it'd make a lovely music video.) Their fans are terrific, too - Carnival!

[northzax]

4. only 1-0

not bad, Croatia.

[TahitiNut]

5. Very decent match - hard fought.

22 shots, 9 on goal. 40 fouls (slightly high) and 12 corner kicks. Croatia drew three yellow cards - very deserved, imho. Kaka's goal was solid and well-struck. Only Ronaldo was disappointing, but he's apparently not fully healthy. Dida did a terrific job in goal for Brazil, imho.

The worst I could say is that mental errors resulted in a total of 7 offsides calls - and that's not really enough to demean the match.


Tomorrow's games ...
9am Spain vs Ukraine
12noon Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia
3pm Germany vs Poland

Poland will be coming to play - it ought to be a good game. Ukraine is unlikely to roll over for Spain - we could have a slight upset, even though both are expected to advance. Tunis is favored to win over the Saudis and I don't expect anything unexpected here.

[T_i_B]

6. Am I the only one here

who was a wee bit disapointed with Brazil after all we have been hearing and all we know about the talents of the likes of Adriano and Ronaldinho?

Still, at least they won, and you could say the same things about both France and England really.

[burythehatchet]

7. Their coach has already said they will open play at about 60%

and gradually build up. I believe him

[T_i_B]

10. 60% of what?

60% of the way through the match against Australia? 60% humidity? 60% of Ronaldo's breakfast? :shrug:

[manic expression]

8. Did Ronaldo play?

that was a disappointing effort from Brazil. Croatia really played a good match and Brazil looked as though they weren't very into it at all. If Brazil doesn't pick it up, they are going to be a huge letdown.

Also, I wouldn't even include Ronaldo as a sub the next game. Put in Robinho, he actually showed some energy and interest, or even have a lone forward with Ronaldinho as a withdrawn striker.

[burythehatchet]

9. Ronaldo looked lethargic

but he's a great scorer and before its over he will have 3 goals, I predict