Brazil Soccer Culture, Style of Play
In the second part of our series on soccer culture, we look at the Samba Kings of Brazil. The famous yellow jerseys have a magical quality to a soccer fan. Pele, Zico, Garrincha, Ronaldo and Kaka are all players who have provided a lifetime of enjoyable memories with their brilliance. The memories of brilliant possession play, and magical World Cup victories carry an aura. Brazil have achieved over time a reputation for not only winning the World Cup, but doing so in style. So how do they do it?
STRENGTHS
The culture of Brazil goes far beyond youth coaching. Children in Brazil grow up with a ball at their feet. With less options available for entertainment than a typical child raised in England or the USA, it is common for a Brazilian child to play soccer with their friends every night of the week. Compare this to an American player, who may perform three hours per week of travel training, but spend a lot of time indoors on the computer, or playing other sports such as basketball or baseball. The youth player who spends more time with the ball at his feet, will improve technical ability independent of any coaching he receives, and each hour spent playing moves them ahead of players who are not playing the game.
Conditions also help the technical ability of the typical Brazilian player. Playing with makeshift balls made from different materials, or playing on the sand of the beach can force a player to develop a quality first touch to survive. When a player who thrives in these conditions is given a match ball and cleats on a level grass surface, the game can come easily to them.
Futsal is another South American tradition that helps the technical ability of developing Brazilian soccer players. Futsal is played on a small court, meaning a Brazilian soccer player must develop the ability to trap and pass the ball while under defensive pressure. This can create a confidence in possession above other nations. Whereas some countries will teach players to pass to a wide open teammate, this is not necessarily the case in Brazil. A player raised in a Futsal environment may play to a teammate who has a defender immediately at his shoulder. The ball will be passed to the foot furthest from the defender, and trust placed in the teammate that he can keep possession for the team.
Players are encouraged to take risks in possession and show flair. One form of Brazilian youth soccer training involves players performing skills and moves to the rhythm as music is played. This develops technical ability, as well as coordination and body control. Allowing a player to try something new without having to worry about the yelling from a coach develops flair. How many English or American players would even think to do this in a game?
The enjoyment and confidence developed in Brazilian soccer training is summed up well by Robinho who says, “man, you can’t just play football, you’ve got to have the sway.” Joga Bonito is beautiful to watch, and easy to follow, but can take a lifetime to master.
WEAKNESSES
At their best, they can seem invincible and few will object to the opening statement in this article about Brazil winning the World Cup. However, they did not win the recent World Cup in South Africa, and they did not win the tournament before in Germany during 2006, so flaws must exist.
As everyone knows, having the 11 best players does not necessarily make you the best team. This has been proved time and again in soccer and two tournaments running Brazil have failed to produce the best team. On both occasions, they have been beaten by teams that are more tactically disciplined, but many believe less talented than them. However, ability in possession may be the core of what makes a good soccer player but it is not exclusive. Tactical awareness and defensive ability must be introduced as players get older to compete at high levels.
A player who is excellent in possession, but not refined in winning the ball or other elements of the game can also be lost at times during a high paced game. A player must take personal responsibility to put an influence on the game even if things are not going their way.
ELITE LEVELS
The weaknesses outlined above show through at the elite levels of Brazilian soccer. Occasionally Brazil have lost games and accused victorious opponents of not playing “the right way.” The fact is if a referee deems a game plan fair, then it is Brazil’s job to break through opponents who set out to defend, not to criticize the team after failing to beat them.
Examples of a fragile Brazil temperament have not been uncommon with the national team. In 1994, Leonardo broke the cheekbone of the USA’s Tab Ramos with a petulant swing of the elbow. In the recent South Africa World Cup, Felipe Melo lost his temper and kicked out at a Dutch player, playing a huge part in their quarter final defeat to a rugged Netherlands squad.
Signs of a temperamental Brazil showed in their group stage victory over the Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast adopted a physical style of play, and with Brazil coasting to victory coach Dunga reacted furiously to a series of niggling fouls. His angst spread to the field and climaxed with a needless red card to Kaka. Brazil’s play was excellent, but their mind flustered, and an ability to control frustration is an Achilles heel. Compare this with the patient and calm manner with which Spain overcame a cynical and violent approach by the Netherlands in the World Cup final.
Spain show an interesting side of sport psychology. Many assume to develop ‘mental strength’ and focus in players a coach must grit his teeth and instill an ability to stand up with brutish play and shouts of encouragement. This is not the case, and Brazil would advance by developing emotional control and focus, to go hand in hand with unquestionable technical ability.
