Brazil back in samba groove – Gilberto comments
June 23, 2009
By Sapa and Nkareng Matshe
Here’s a quick reality check for Bafana Bafana. Their opponents, Brazil, in Thursday’s Confederations Cup semi-final at Ellis Park are not only in irresistible form, but influential midfielder Gilberto Silva says the team is “improving with every game”.
According to Silva, the five-times world champions, who have already accounted for Egypt, USA and Italy in the tournament while compiling an imposing 10-3 goal record, are close to being “in a 100 percent groove”.
“We have a group boasting great individual talent and skill,” said Silva. “But with a complement of young newcomers joining the squad alongside the established players, we needed the time and match competition to gel into an effective unit.
“That is what has now happened,” added Silva after five consecutive wins and a goal tally of 16-4 has restored Brazil to their traditional pedestal as “the team to fear”.
“However with everything falling into place,” said the Brazilian midfielder, “we are still enthusiastic and looking to get better. Ninety-nine percent is good, but we are striving for 100 percent.”