Narrow victory a warning for Brazil
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AP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Haziran 17, 2009 00:00
BLOEMFONTEIN - A narrow win over Egypt has put Brazil on alert at the Confederations Cup. The five-time World Cup champion outplayed Egypt Monday at Bloemfontein, but barely escaped with a 4-3 victory thanks to a last-minute penalty by Kaka.
The Brazilians blamed the sub par performance on exhaustion from recent World Cup qualifiers and excessive traveling, but acknowledged they need to improve before the team's second Group B match against the United States Thursday.
Brazil opened a 3-1 first-half lead with goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan in front of a crowd of 27,851 fans at Free State Stadium, but defensive mistakes allowed Egypt to score two goals a minute apart early in the second half. "There is no doubt that this match should come as a warning," midfielder Gilberto Silva said. "I don't remember Brazil allowing two goals in one minute and it's been a long time since we allowed three goals in a match. It should be a warning for all of us so it doesn't happen again."
It was the first time in 57 matches that Brazil conceded three goals. The last time was four years ago in a World Cup qualifier against South American rival Argentina. "We had more problems than we expected," striker Luis Fabiano said. "We were all a bit tired, but we have to find ways to get over that and avoid more difficulties in the next match."
Brazil coach Dunga said the team's exhaustion in the second half led to a tactical mistake that allowed the Egyptians to come back.
"We should have played back a bit instead of trying to push forward at that time, and in the end we gave Egypt too much space," Dunga said. "But that's natural because the players were exhausted."
Dunga said he saw some positive aspects in Brazil's performance. "Despite being tired, the players fought until the end to get the victory," the coach said. "That was important to see."
Brazil played at Uruguay and hosted in qualifiers Paraguay shortly before heading to South Africa for the Confederations Cup. Players complained they haven't been able to sleep well since arriving on Thursday because of the five-hour time difference between the two countries.
Changes in lineup
"Things should get better as we spend more time here and get used to everything," captain Lucio said. Dunga said he may make changes in his lineup for the match against the United States, depending on his players' condition. The team was expected to return to practice Tuesday in Pretoria.
Brazil and World Cup champion Italy - a 3-1 winner over the U.S. at Pretoria on Monday - lead Group B with three points each. Egypt and the United States have no points. The top two will reach the semifinals.
Brazil will face Italy in its final group match on June 21. Brazil, winner in 1997 and 2005, is trying to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, one more than France. Brazil also can join France as the only nation to win consecutive titles. It is the only team to have participated in all six editions.
Brazil opened a 3-1 first-half lead with goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan in front of a crowd of 27,851 fans at Free State Stadium, but defensive mistakes allowed Egypt to score two goals a minute apart early in the second half. "There is no doubt that this match should come as a warning," midfielder Gilberto Silva said. "I don't remember Brazil allowing two goals in one minute and it's been a long time since we allowed three goals in a match. It should be a warning for all of us so it doesn't happen again."
It was the first time in 57 matches that Brazil conceded three goals. The last time was four years ago in a World Cup qualifier against South American rival Argentina. "We had more problems than we expected," striker Luis Fabiano said. "We were all a bit tired, but we have to find ways to get over that and avoid more difficulties in the next match."
Brazil coach Dunga said the team's exhaustion in the second half led to a tactical mistake that allowed the Egyptians to come back.
"We should have played back a bit instead of trying to push forward at that time, and in the end we gave Egypt too much space," Dunga said. "But that's natural because the players were exhausted."
Dunga said he saw some positive aspects in Brazil's performance. "Despite being tired, the players fought until the end to get the victory," the coach said. "That was important to see."
Brazil played at Uruguay and hosted in qualifiers Paraguay shortly before heading to South Africa for the Confederations Cup. Players complained they haven't been able to sleep well since arriving on Thursday because of the five-hour time difference between the two countries.
Changes in lineup
"Things should get better as we spend more time here and get used to everything," captain Lucio said. Dunga said he may make changes in his lineup for the match against the United States, depending on his players' condition. The team was expected to return to practice Tuesday in Pretoria.
Brazil and World Cup champion Italy - a 3-1 winner over the U.S. at Pretoria on Monday - lead Group B with three points each. Egypt and the United States have no points. The top two will reach the semifinals.
Brazil will face Italy in its final group match on June 21. Brazil, winner in 1997 and 2005, is trying to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, one more than France. Brazil also can join France as the only nation to win consecutive titles. It is the only team to have participated in all six editions.