Copa América 2011 - Argentina - The Thread

[Stay Golden]

What a disgrace for Brazil's standard of soccer. Heads will roll for sure on this one. Brazil seemed to only play as hard as they wanted to through out the Copa. Brazil seemed defeated after Elano sky'd his shot about as bad as it could get, that was garbage. Santos didn't even shoot he chipped it, what a joke and Fred was way too cocky just like this squad is. I would not be suprised if there are swift changes in personal and Manezes.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

What a disgrace for Brazil's standard of soccer. Heads will roll for sure on this one. Brazil seemed to only play as hard as they wanted to through out the Copa. Brazil seemed defeated after Elano sky'd his shot about as bad as it could get, that was garbage. Santos didn't even shoot he chipped it, what a joke and Fred was way too cocky just like this squad is. I would not be suprised if there are swift changes in personal and Manezes.

it's a young team, a very young team

most of this side outside of probly Lucio and Maicon are going to be the core of the 2014 team. Especially guys like Neymar, Ganso, Pato, Lucas, Ramires, Sandro etc.

they were also completely changing back to the samba style from Dunga's counter attack

[Stay Golden]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

it's a young team, a very young team

most of this side outside of probly Lucio and Maicon are going to be the core of the 2014 team. Especially guys like Neymar, Ganso, Pato, Lucas, Ramires, Sandro etc.

they were also completely changing back to the samba style from Dunga's counter attack

Squad should have had the likes of Kaka and Fabiano they are only 27 & 28 and they are without a doubt some of the best players in the world. I realize there is a youth movement but they needed balance. It just ''seemed'' that they were not fully dedicated to this years Copa knowing they would qualify win or loss. As for Dunga he was too defensive for hardcore Brazil fans, he coached the way he played. Solid defender but it was too extreme of a system for Brazil to accept from the tried and true Samba attack. Dunga perhaps put to much emphasize on defending first counter second JMO, that his success as a defender was the result of him being a defending component of a Samba offence. Dunga's fate was sealed in the last WC they were roasted by fans and media because the 0-0 draw to Portugal did not sit well and then later the loss to Netherlands having the lead. While I fully support Menezes getting back to the way Brazil soccer was meant to be played I didn't like the intangable that was missing on the field, leadership.
I would assume that Brazil will be finely tuned for hosting in 2014.

[vennegoor of hesselink]

2-0 at half time with strikes from Suarez and Forlan. Uruguay have been absolutely dominant. Suarez has way too much space on the right side

[Cactus Jack]

As a huge Chilean fan, I watched most of the games of this tournament and it was a disgrace. Never mind Chile not finding the offence and losing to Venezuela, all the big teams choked and most games were awful. The only exception was the edge-of-your-seat game between Uruguay and Argentina. Beauty game.

It's needless to say how awful Brazil was. Neymar, whom here in Brazil is already getting play like he has accomplished what Ronaldo and Pele did, Ganso and Pato were pedestrian. I agree they could have used some people in their late 20s to bridge the gap between the kids and guys like Lucio. Brazil has lots to do if they want to win the cup at home in 3 years, I don't think it will happen. Their only saving graces are the development of Neymar and Lucas from Sao Paulo FC. That guy is awesome.

Paraguay was just awful, getting to the final without winning a game, I think. Messi continued to do nothing with Argentina.