Gilberto plays in 1-0 win over England
November 15, 2009
DUNGA was always a different kind of Brazilian midfield player, one praised more for his workrate than for his class, and the team that he now manages plays the game that he once played. They are a good side with a great attitude, a skilful team with an admirable work ethic and they will be one of the big teams at next year’s World Cup. And yet this is a Brazil that the biggest guns, and England’s first XI, will respect rather than fear.
Because of the emphasis given to organisation and defensive solidity, Gilberto Silva is Dunga’s on-field general and though the former Arsenal midfielder protected his back four and used the ball economically last evening, there were times when he struggled with the pace of the game. How he will cope with a World Cup tournament and a succession of tough games remains a moot point.
We should note that Brazil are not impregnable. Gilberto Silva is ageing and there is no obvious stand-in for Fabiano should he lose form or fitness. But they look formidable. And we have not even got round to mentioning Kaká.
And from The Guardian (and The Telegraph):
Brazil’s Gilberto Silva surprised at England’s poor display in Doha
The veteran Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted to being surprised by England’s sloppiness in possession as Fabio Capello’s team slipped to defeat at the Khalifa International Stadium, and suggested the five-times World Cup winners were always “comfortable and confident” in securing their victory.
A wonderfully crafted goal from Nilmar just after half-time secured the South Americans’ success, with LuÃs Fabiano subsequently missing a penalty that would have added gloss to the win. Brazil’s dominance was rarely threatened, Wayne Rooney forcing Júlio César into making his first save some 12 minutes from time, with Dunga’s side buoyed by the slickness of their performance.
“We were comfortable and confident to play,” said Gilberto. “We kept the ball, passed and moved, controlled the pace of the game – sometimes slow, sometimes quick – and created some chances. I suppose, psychologically, it was good to win. We got to see a bit how England play, and we can learn from that. This was an important step in our preparations for South Africa.”
Asked if he was surprised at how often an admittedly under-strength England had given the ball away, the former Arsenal midfielder added: “Yes, yes. To be honest, I was. They usually take advantage when they have the ball, but at some moments they gave it away quite easily. Maybe they felt the heat a bit – it was quite hot out there – but it was also down to us. We positioned ourselves very well and didn’t give them many chances. [The head coach] Dunga had said that, if you give them chances to play, they will create opportunities.
“They, like us, will want to improve. They were missing some important players in this game and, when they come back, they will have a stronger squad. They still had quality players who could have made the difference if we didn’t defend well. Rooney has improved since I was playing in England – he’s more mature, he’s got more experience – but not only him. Other players out there, too.
“But we were not caught. Now we have two more games before the World Cup and we are not satisfied yet. We want to improve more game by game and make sure we go to South Africa in the best possible form.”