Friday, June 11, 2010

Saragosa on Brazil's Chances




The World Cup is upon us, Chivas USA fans! I don’t know about you, but I am extremely excited to watch my home country Brazil play their first group match. Brazil is in what some call, “the group of death,” that includes the Ivory Coast, North Korea, and one of the World Cup favorites, Portugal. Although Brazil will be facing these strong teams, I think Brazil will do well and advance to the next round of the tournament.

The preparation matches Brazil had before the tournament showed that they’re ready to begin the World Cup, but their first round matchup against North Korea on June 15 is a tough one. I always consider the opposing team and how they stand, but I think Brazil is prepared to win. The first match is always one of the most important, because Brazil can get those first three points and go into the next match with that advantage.

Playing against Portugal is always difficult, but I hope Brazil can win. Portugal plays the same style of ‘futbol’ that Brazil plays, and they have good players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco so I think that will be the toughest match. Not to say that the Brazilian team doesn’t have talent; I know some guys on the team like Luis Fabiano, Julio Baptista and Kaka.

I can tell you a few things about Kaka, because we have been friends for years. Kaka is a good guy, an experienced player who brings a lot of to the national team. I think that Kaka, along with his teammates, will help Brazil win its sixth championship this year.

Aside from working as a team, Brazil needs to enter each match thinking about that specific game, not about future matches, like getting to the semifinal or final. Just like here in the MLS, Brazil needs to come into each match playing their game and focus on scoring the goals they need in order to move on to the next round.

Like many others, I can’t wait for the FIFA World Cup to begin tomorrow. It’s the event that every Brazilian gets excited about because soccer runs in our blood. I will be watching the matches in my house along with my family and friends having a good Brazilian BBQ. Wherever you are, I hope you get to enjoy the World Cup as well. Cheers!


Brazil needs to enter each match thinking about that specific game"
Marcel Saragosa