Jun 102016
 
Brazil v Haiti: Seven One Again

For Brazilians, 7×1 is a scoreline that will always carry meaning. It was, of course, the scoreline of the trashing that Germany gave them in the 2014 World Cup. That match dashed the dreams of Brazil lifting the Cup on their home soil, and stained Brazilian football in a way which will never be washed clean. It wasn’t insignificant then, that on Wednesday night in Orlando, Brazil defeated Haiti by that same score in their […]

May 282016
 
Expectations of Dunga's Brazil - Copa America 2016 Preview

On Saturday, 4th June, Brazil kick off their Copa América Centenário campaign against Ecuador in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The stadium holds happy memories for the Seleção and troubled coach Dunga as they lifted the World Cup in that very arena back in 1994. Dunga interpreted that triumph as an act of defiance against a hostile press, who had come to regard him as emblematic of Brazil’s transition from futêbol artistes to functional army. […]

Aug 112015
 
Futsal - Football From The Streets to The Halls

  There’s a video on YouTube which shows Liverpool and Brazil midfielder Philipe Coutinho getting hold of the ball, slaloming past three defenders and then slamming it past the goalkeeper.  It is a wonderful expression of skill and technical mastery; the fluidity of execution breathtaking. In this video, shown below, Coutinho isn’t in a Liverpool shirt.  Nor is he playing for any of his previous European clubs; Inter and Espanyol. Indeed, he isn’t even on […]

Apr 122015
 
The Gringo and O Jogo Bonito

World Cup Classics – Brazilian Style It was 1977 when I fell in love with football, but in 1978 that love fast became an addiction thanks to the amazing World Cup in Argentina, complete with the ticker tape entrances and some truly great matches. I had decided to follow Scotland, not only as the only home UK nation to qualify, but more for being a budding Liverpool fan, Kenny Dalglish was in his pomp, with […]

Apr 112015
 
Philippe Coutinho - Strength of Character

For some reason, when people think about footballers they assume that they are different; that their talent arms them with more than a simple ability to control a ball better than the rest of us. It is (partly, at least) why so much is made when players slip up. People don’t expect footballers to want to go out partying, to want to smoke, to give in to temptation of any kind….they’re footballers, the luckiest people […]

Jul 302014
 
Predicting Dunga's Brazil XI

  When asked the question – “which is the greatest footballing nation ever?” – the majority would answer Brazil, or the first name that would come to one’s mind will be Brazil. Despite this, The Seleção are going through one of their roughest periods at the moment, with critics claiming that it’s the worst Brazilian national team in recent history. Some have gone as far as to say that they’re being carried by the one and only star man in the […]

Aug 162013
 
Premier League Preview - Brazilians in the EPL 2013/14

To say that this is a big year for Brazilian footballers would be an understatement. The 2014 World Cup on home soil is looming large, and the Brazilian contingent in one of the most high profile leagues in the world will be out to impress. Here’s a look at the Brazilians plying their trade in the English Premier League. Keep an eye out on this page as it will be updated if any Brazilians join […]

Jan 272013
 
Philippe Coutinho signs for Liverpool

Pending a work permit, Philippe Coutinho will become Liverpool’s second signing of the 2013 January transfer window, but more importantly he’ll become Liverpool’s 5th ever Brazilian player and only the third outfield player to wear the famous red shirt. Early days at Vasco da Gama The signing of Coutinho has excited many Liverpool fans, but it has also been met with the usual scepticism from some quarters. This could be because there isn’t much to […]