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Sunday, July 02, 2006Brazil 0-1 FranceThierry Henry's superb volley sent holders Brazil out of the World Cup as France moved into the semi-finals. Inspired by man-of-the-match Zinedine Zidane, France were the better side in the first half, but failed to create clear chances to trouble Dida. That changed just before the hour when Zidane swept a free-kick to the far post where it was sumptuously volleyed past the Brazilian goalkeeper by Henry. Fabien Barthez denied Ronaldo late on to set up a semi-final with Portugal. Prior to that save Barthez had flapped on a couple of occasions, but it was a mark of Brazil's lacklustre play that Ronaldo's shot came in stoppage time. Brazil had strolled their way to the quarter-finals, but Carlos Alberto Parriera's side had no answer to a France team that combined defensive discipline with some wonderful attacking play. France's route to the last eight has involved plenty of huffing and puffing, but the knockout stages have brought out the best in Raymond Domenech's side. Zidane was magnificent throughout, while after the interval the speed of Henry and Franck Ribery unsettled the Brazilian defence. As early as the first minute Brazil were given a glimpse of what they were to experience for the remaining 89 minutes as Zidane glided away from a succession of Brazilian tackles as he executed a quick turn and that trademark stepover. A Zidane flick that deceived Cafu was equally breathaking, while he held off and teased Kaka by juggling the ball. Not to be outdone, Brazil's number 10 Ronaldinho deftly touched the ball into Ronaldo's path before the Brazilian striker was closed down by the French defence. A Zidane free-kick set up France's best chance in the first half but Florent Malouda headed over. A minute before the interval another piece of Zidane wizardry released Patrick Vieira, who was scythed down by Juan, who was booked. Within a minute of the second half starting Vieira went close with a glancing header from a Zidane free-kick. As the second half developed Henry began to come to the fore, first sprinting past Cafu, then troubling Lucio, before the Frenchman's backheel nearly released Vieira. So often in their careers with France, Henry and Zidane have failed to quite click, but on 57 minutes they combined to devastating effect. Zidane whipped in a free-kick to the far past that Henry spectacularly volleyed past Dida into the roof of the net. Soon after the waspish Ribery nearly created a second goal for France when his penetrative cross was almost inadvertently turned into the Brazilian goal by defender Juan. Ribery then almost latched on to a Henry pass, but Dida just got to the ball before the Marseille winger. The win means France have beaten Brazil in three of their four World Cup encounters. 
Tuesday, June 27, 2006Brazil 3-0 GhanaRonaldo became the highest scorer in World Cup finals history as Brazil beat Ghana to book a quarter-final place against France. The 29-year-old took just five minutes to go past Gerd Muller's tally of 14, latching on to Kaka's through ball and rounding Richard Kingson to slot home. Adriano tapped in Cafu's cross and Ze Roberto ran through to wrap it up while Ghana's Asamoah Gyan was sent off. John Mensah had the Africans' best chance, but Dida saved his header. Brazil will now meet France in the last eight on Saturday in Frankfurt. The scoreline was perhaps a touch harsh on Ghana, who recovered from a horror start to match their more illustrious opponents. It was a start made more remarkable by the African side's defensive naivety than Brazil's attacking prowess, as twice in five minutes they got caught out at the back.The first time they were saved by a flag incorrectly ruling Ronaldo offside, the second time they pushed up and allowed Kaka to feed in Ronaldo, who shimmied past Kingson and slotted in. After all the criticism, it was yet another record-breaking goal for the peerless Real Madrid man. Still Ghana failed to learn. Ze Roberto found Adriano in acres of space only for the striker to fluff his lines, trying to round Kingson but falling to the floor and being booked for a dive. Brazil began strolling - if they needed a reminder they were in a game Matthew Amoah's 20-yard drive that flew just wide should have done the trick. But it did not seem to, as Amoah shot straight at Dida and then Gyan turned Lucio superbly before rifling over on the stretch from 12 yards. Two minutes before half-time, they had a golden chance to level. Mensah rose unchallenged from a corner, but to Ghana's dismay his bullet header struck Dida's leg and bounced away from danger. Just before the break they were punished when Brazil launched a quick counter-attack and Cafu crossed for a seemingly offside Adriano to bundle home. Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic was so incensed that he was sent to the stands for the second half after remonstrating with the referee. The second goal was hard on Ghana after a spirited response to their early errors and to their credit they continued to plough forward after the break. John Pantsil flashed a header wide from another set-piece and Gyan and Haminu Draman both wildly lashed over from good positions. As Brazil sat back Stephen Appiah fed in Gyan, but the hero of the win over Czech Republic was foiled again by an impressive diving stop from Dida. Until Gyan was sent off - his second yellow card was for diving - Brazil did not look like adding to their tally, a Pantsil header at his own goal a rare venture into the Ghana penalty area. But with 11 against 10 they stepped up the pace and Ghana's misery was compounded when substitute Ricardinho floated a ball over the top and Ze Roberto flicked it past Kingson, ran round him and rolled into an empty net. The defending champions are slowly but surely clicking into gear at this World Cup finals.
Ronaldo became the highest scorer in World Cup finals history as Brazil beat Ghana to book a quarter-final place against France. The 29-year-old took just five minutes to go past Gerd Muller's tally of 14, latching on to Kaka's through ball and rounding Richard Kingson to slot home. Adriano tapped in Cafu's cross and Ze Roberto ran through to wrap it up while Ghana's Asamoah Gyan was sent off. John Mensah had the Africans' best chance, but Dida saved his header. Brazil will now meet France in the last eight on Saturday in Frankfurt at 2000 BST. The scoreline was perhaps a touch harsh on Ghana, who recovered from a horror start to match their more illustrious opponents. It was a start made more remarkable by the African side's defensive naivety than Brazil's attacking prowess, as twice in five minutes they got caught out at the back.The first time they were saved by a flag incorrectly ruling Ronaldo offside, the second time they pushed up and allowed Kaka to feed in Ronaldo, who shimmied past Kingson and slotted in. After all the criticism, it was yet another record-breaking goal for the peerless Real Madrid man. Still Ghana failed to learn. Ze Roberto found Adriano in acres of space only for the striker to fluff his lines, trying to round Kingson but falling to the floor and being booked for a dive. Brazil began strolling - if they needed a reminder they were in a game Matthew Amoah's 20-yard drive that flew just wide should have done the trick. But it did not seem to, as Amoah shot straight at Dida and then Gyan turned Lucio superbly before rifling over on the stretch from 12 yards. Two minutes before half-time, they had a golden chance to level. Mensah rose unchallenged from a corner, but to Ghana's dismay his bullet header struck Dida's leg and bounced away from danger. Just before the break they were punished when Brazil launched a quick counter-attack and Cafu crossof the mouth and it was achoo all over my face. Thank you very much. What a day. And that's only three patients I told you about! There was a broken leg from falling, a patient found unresponsive at home after being discharged this morning after falling and lacerating his head, a stroke who was unresponsive and incontinent, an abdominal pain who ended up having ascites for no apparent reason, a patient who fell through a catwalk 12 feet down, and I can't recall the rest. But it was a crazy busy day. ll through a catwalk 12 feet down, and I can't recall the rest. But it was a crazy busy day. Monday, June 19, 2006Brazil 2-0 AustraliaGoals from Adriano and substitute Fred sealed Brazil's place in the last 16 with a win over a gallant Australia. The Socceroos' well-organised defence frustrated Brazil until Ronaldo squared for Adriano to score from 18 yards. Harry Kewell blasted over an unguarded goal and Mark Viduka's lob landed on top of the net as Australia battled back and came close several times. But Fred tapped home the second for the unconvincing holders after fellow sub Robinho's shot came back off the post. Their second win sees them almost stumble through to the knockout stages. But on a day Australian football came of age, the Socceroos need only a draw in their final game against Croatia to seal a place in the last 16. Ronaldo started again for Brazil despite ongoing criticism over his performances and condition. His first contribution in this game saw him lose control of an Emerson pass but his second was a delight as he flicked the ball over his head for Kaka to crash a volley inches wide. Vince Grella's foul on Ronaldo gave Brazil's troupe of free-kick artistes an early chance to convene but Roberto Carlos's blast swung high and wide. Typically there was no shortage of confidence from Australia and tactically manager Guus Hiddink had done his homework, detailing Jason Culina and Mile Sterjovski to close off the flanks to negate the threat of Carlos and Cafu. Australia defended dutifully, marshalled by Craig Moore whose superbly-timed challenge only increased Ronaldo's frustration as he had a sight of goal. Ronaldo picked up a needless booking for putting the ball in the net after being pulled back for offside and when presented with a chance by Kaka's chipped pass, completely missed his kick in front of goal. It took Brazil just three minutes of the second half to forge the breakthrough as Australia switched off defensively for the first time. Ronaldo looked offside as he collected a through pass but he squared the ball for Adriano who took advantage as Scott Chipperfield failed to close quickly enough to score left-footed from 18 yards. Australia were presented with a golden chance as Dida dropped a cross but substitute Kewell blazed over the unguarded goal. Kewell then almost embarrassed Dida, dipping a 40-yard shot inches over the bar after spotting the keeper off his line. Australia went for broke but Robinho, on for the disappointing Ronaldo, almost punished them on the break, nicking the ball over keeper Mark Schwarzer and onto the roof of the net. At the other end Dida went full length to claw away Mark Breschiano's volley, while Kaka thumped a header against the bar from a corner. Viduka's lob left Dida stranded but agonisingly landed on the roof of the net and as Australia threw everything forward in search of an equaliser they had Brazil on the rack. But substitute Fred sealed victory with a second goal to flatter Brazil, tapping home after Robinho's shot came back off the post.
Friday, June 16, 2006Brazil coach praises Croatia gritBrazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira paid tribute to Croatia after the World Cup holders laboured to a 1-0 win. "The challenge is not only the first game," Parreira said after Kaka's first-half goal set up the victory. In addition to the fact that the team hasn't played a lot together, we faced an adversary that was good and marking very well, with energy. I think the game was balanced, we had more shots on goal but we had a certain difficulty imposing our own rhythm." Parreira insisted Brazil would improve in their second Group F game against Australia on Sunday in Munich. "The performance could be better but it will improve in the next game. For us it was so important to start with a win." Brazil captain Cafu, who helped set up Kaka's goal, added: "Without any doubt, the important thing is start on the right foot. I told the team before the game we had to go up seven steps, we went up one and now we have six to go," he said, referring to the number of matches Brazil will have to play to win a sixth World Cup. Match-winner Kaka agreed with his captain that victory was the only important factor from Tuesday night but he admitted his side needed to "improve our movement, to be more creative and to mark better". "We felt a heavy responsibility as it was the first game, and it was against the strongest opponents in our group - we respect Australia and Japan but we are traditionally stronger than them," he said. "To win like we did is not ideal and we still have to convince and I'm sure the next game will be better as we will not feel under so much pressure."
Brazil beat Croatia to become the first team to win eight successive matches in the World Cup finals. Croatia's tactics frustrated Brazil for much of the match, but just before the interval Kaka's wonderful curling left-footed shot beat Stipe Pletikosa. Pletikosa's opposite number Dida frequently came to Brazil's rescue, notably with second-half saves from Dado Prso and Ivan Klasnic. Brazil finished strongly, with Kaka again going close with a rasping shot. The Brazilians might be favourites to claim the "Hexa" - a sixth World Cup - but the way Croatia made Carlos Alberto Parreira's side work for this win suggests the world champions are not without their weaknesses. Strikers Ronaldo and Adriano looked subdued throughout and it took 55 minutes for the much criticised Real Madrid striker to have a shot at goal. The unhappy Ronaldo was eventually replaced by Robinho, whose introduction served to bring greater attacking fluidity to the Brazilian side. But the fact that Dida was one of Brazil's best performers gives an indication of just how well Croatia played. Prso's strong running troubled the Brazilian defence and early in the second half the Rangers striker powerfully shrugged off Lucio before testing Dida with a low shot. Soon after making that save Dida's positioning allowed him to safely gather a Marko Babic shot. While Prso provided an attacking outlet for Croatia, the Balkan side's defence managed to stymie Brazil for long periods. Pletikosa, who was making his 50th appearance for Croatia, had a quiet introduction to the game, but on 15 minutes the Croatian goalkeeper came under intense pressure. He athletically tipped a Roberto Carlos shot over the bar and then pushed away a Ronaldinho effort that came to Pletikosa through a packed penalty area. Just after the hour Pletikosa made the best save of the game when he kept out a poweful Ronaldinho header. Not that Croatia were ever content to solely soak up Brazil's attacks. Prso frequently drifted out to the left and looked impressive with some strong running, while Ivan Klasnic and Niko Kranjcar had speculative shots. Those two efforts did not trouble Dida, but seven minutes before the break the Brazilian keeper had a real scare when Igor Tudor came desperately close to reaching Darijo Srna's dangerous inswinging free-kick from the left. Having subdued Brazil for 44 minutes, Croatia fell behind to a wonderfully constructed and taken goal. Midfielder Emerson started the move, surging into the Croatia half before feeding the ball to Cafu. The Brazilian right-back slipped the ball inside to Kaka, who after switching the ball quickly to his left foot, beat Pletikosa with an unstoppable shot. It was a superb goal which hinted at the power and skill of the Brazilians.
Thursday, June 08, 2006Talent Is Good, But You Need a Team to Win the Cup, Says Brazil's Coach What needs to win World Cup title? Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is sure, that only talent and team, but not only players could help in such heavy and nervous competition. He has no doubt in the victory of the Brazil team. "You win a World Cup by having a team. Players can win a match, but not a tournament," Parreira stressed Tuesday. "You need tactical organization, discipline and, above all, a lot of work." Brazil will be led by two-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho and numerous other top players including Ronaldo, Kaká, Adriano, Cafu and Roberto Carlos when it begins its quest for a record sixth World Cup title Tuesday against Croatia. "Brazil would have played in every final if it was enough to win the World Cup with talent alone," Parreira said. "You need balance, and we are working to achieve that, to get our players, who are very offensive-minded, to put themselves in a position to help (defensively), too." "Our soccer is known for its beauty, technical quality and creativity," said Parreira, who led Brazil to the 1994 World Cup title in the United States . "But we can't lose our team spirit." "It would be great for soccer in general," he said. "It would allow for more quality and less fouls."
Tuesday, June 06, 2006Squad
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