Brazil declare war on Peru
Samba boy gears for battle: Brazil and AC Milan star Kaka says all games away from home are like a war. The Samba boys play Peru in Lima tomorrow. Picture: Reuters
Saturday, November 17, 2007
BRAZIL expect a rough ride when they visit Peru for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier, with AC Milan star Kaka preparing for "war".
Peru failed to score in their opening two games of the competition last month, but are hoping for a morale-boosting win against the five times world champions.
Peru go into the match with one point while Brazil, fresh from a 5-0 drubbing of Ecuador, have four.
"All games away from home are like a war, everyone wants to beat Brazil," said Kaka.
"It's the game of their lives, a chance for them to be remembered for beating Brazil."
Ronaldinho has been given only a 70 per cent chance of playing by team doctor Jose Luis Runco because of an ankle injury.
Forward Julio Baptista said Brazil would be happy just to get the win.
"People always expect us to put on a show, but it's not always possible to get a score like that," he said.
"The most important thing is to bring home three points."
Peru goalkeeper Leao Butrao may miss the game with a heavy cold but German-based striker Paolo Guerrero is set to return after injury.
Peru, a South American football powerhouse in the 1970s, have not qualified for a World Cup since 1982 but their players are focused on winning at the Monumental stadium.
"We have very good players and we have to reflect this on the field. The match obliges us to go in hard when there's a 50-50 ball," said Italian-based Juan Vargas.
Striker Claudio Pizarro said Peru would not simply try to avoid defeat.
"Anything can happen and we're going for a win. We're not in a situation where we can settle for a draw, we have to look for a win," he said.
DUNGA, who has given Brazil a meaner streak since taking over as coach, said he simply had the courage to make the tough decisions that were necessary.
Players like Ronaldo and Adriano, criticised for being lethargic and off the pace, have been sidelined by the former captain who has imposed a strict code of discipline.
Ronaldo has not played at all under Dunga while Adriano has made only one appearance.
"I think my biggest virtue during this time was I did what had to be done, and which all Brazilians said had to be done," Dunga told reporters on Thursday as he continued preparations for tomorrow's 2010 World Cup qualifier in Peru.
"A lot of people didn't have the courage to take these decisions and I'm here to take them, to think about the team."
Dunga took over after Brazil's lacklustre performance at last year's World Cup in Germany where they lost 1-0 to France in the quarter-finals.
Brazil have lost only twice in 21 matches under Dunga and won the Copa America in Venezuela in July despite the absence of Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked to be rested.
They have also taken four points from their opening two matches in World Cup qualifying.
"The players know they're here to serve the team with pride, passion and happiness," said Dunga. "Everyone has his space, they all want to play, but the decision is the coach's."
Despite good results, Dunga has been criticised for Brazil's sometimes pragmatic style and he has a prickly relationship with the media.
"My failing is I think things have to be transparent and I don't like personal advantages," he said.
"I'm very frank and transparent. If I was more cynical, more politically correct, perhaps it would be better."
Reuters
Peru failed to score in their opening two games of the competition last month, but are hoping for a morale-boosting win against the five times world champions.
Peru go into the match with one point while Brazil, fresh from a 5-0 drubbing of Ecuador, have four.
"All games away from home are like a war, everyone wants to beat Brazil," said Kaka.
"It's the game of their lives, a chance for them to be remembered for beating Brazil."
Ronaldinho has been given only a 70 per cent chance of playing by team doctor Jose Luis Runco because of an ankle injury.
Forward Julio Baptista said Brazil would be happy just to get the win.
"People always expect us to put on a show, but it's not always possible to get a score like that," he said.
"The most important thing is to bring home three points."
Peru goalkeeper Leao Butrao may miss the game with a heavy cold but German-based striker Paolo Guerrero is set to return after injury.
Peru, a South American football powerhouse in the 1970s, have not qualified for a World Cup since 1982 but their players are focused on winning at the Monumental stadium.
"We have very good players and we have to reflect this on the field. The match obliges us to go in hard when there's a 50-50 ball," said Italian-based Juan Vargas.
Striker Claudio Pizarro said Peru would not simply try to avoid defeat.
"Anything can happen and we're going for a win. We're not in a situation where we can settle for a draw, we have to look for a win," he said.
DUNGA, who has given Brazil a meaner streak since taking over as coach, said he simply had the courage to make the tough decisions that were necessary.
Players like Ronaldo and Adriano, criticised for being lethargic and off the pace, have been sidelined by the former captain who has imposed a strict code of discipline.
Ronaldo has not played at all under Dunga while Adriano has made only one appearance.
"I think my biggest virtue during this time was I did what had to be done, and which all Brazilians said had to be done," Dunga told reporters on Thursday as he continued preparations for tomorrow's 2010 World Cup qualifier in Peru.
"A lot of people didn't have the courage to take these decisions and I'm here to take them, to think about the team."
Dunga took over after Brazil's lacklustre performance at last year's World Cup in Germany where they lost 1-0 to France in the quarter-finals.
Brazil have lost only twice in 21 matches under Dunga and won the Copa America in Venezuela in July despite the absence of Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked to be rested.
They have also taken four points from their opening two matches in World Cup qualifying.
"The players know they're here to serve the team with pride, passion and happiness," said Dunga. "Everyone has his space, they all want to play, but the decision is the coach's."
Despite good results, Dunga has been criticised for Brazil's sometimes pragmatic style and he has a prickly relationship with the media.
"My failing is I think things have to be transparent and I don't like personal advantages," he said.
"I'm very frank and transparent. If I was more cynical, more politically correct, perhaps it would be better."
Reuters
Business Besides Oil
