Quote:
Originally Posted by North East Goon
The reduced work-load is what really stands out to me. The big money clubs simply play too much causing nagging injuries as well as exhaustion. I really believe you need to cut seasons short for the World Cup and Euro seasons. I know this will never happen, cash trumpets all. I think this is also the reason behind Brazil not fairing as well lately - there top players are over worked. Definitely English nationals need to start participating in these so called lower leagues at a much greater rate.
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Speaking of long seasons. Looking back, I believe Brazil made the mistake of sending a full-strength team for the Confederations Cup last year. Players were already tired from a long enough season they didn't need to go play 5 more matches. Brazil usually takes and 2nd string team for Confederations Cup or when they are invited to the Gold Cup. They only care about Copa America and World Cup.
Spain took a fairly deep squad too but they really didn't play that hard. Easy group followed by a lackluster loss to the US.
Italy too should have sent a younger team to try out a few things. Instead they were old in 2009 and older in 2010.
Brazil can't play half-assed, they are pressured to win everything. If they had lost that match against the USA, Dunga might have been fired back then (since everyone hates him)! So they played all out and had rough games against Egypt, USA in the final and even South Africa in the semi which went down to the wire. Kaka was tired even before he got to Madrid and had a miserable season carried over to a miserable World Cup.
Looking at Brazil's schedule for whoever will be the new coach.
They have Copa America in 2011 in Argentina, they will want to win that one on enemy soil. They have Confederations Cup at home in 2013 and then the World Cup at home in 2014. At least they don't have to play qualifers this time buthe new manager will have to be very careful about using players continuously after each long European season.