RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Brazil coach Dunga has criticised the state of the pitch at the Maracana stadium where his side face Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier next month.
"I understand a series of matches has contributed to this but the truth is the pitch is in bad condition, it needs to be repaired," he told reporters after visiting the ground on Thursday.
"When I was a player the Maracana always had an excellent pitch."
The playing surface was used a lot during the Panamerican Games in July, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the men's and women's soccer tournaments.
Since then it has also been used by all four local clubs in the Brazilian championship.
The match on Oct. 17 will be Brazil's first home international for two years and their first at the Maracana since 2000 when they beat Bolivia 5-0.
Brazil kick off their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against Colombia in Bogota on Oct. 13 or 14.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Brazil coach Dunga criticises Maracana pitch
Barcelona players defend under-fire Ronaldinho
MADRID (AFP) — Ronaldinho's teammates at Barcelona have rushed to defend the Brazilian striker after he was jeered by fans earlier this week and accused once again by the Spanish press of being under form.
The 27-year-old ace was whistled by a section of the Nou Camp as he was substituted during the second half the 3-0 Champions League home win against Lyon because of what they felt was a lacklustre performace.
Ronaldinho did not look pleased about being replaced for the third straight match by Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.
"I don't understand why they whistled him. He's the best in the world and a key player in the team," said Argentine striker Lionel Messi.
"He's an incredible player," added Barcelona's new recruit Thierry Henry who acknowledged that Ronaldinho had not been in top form during the team's recent away matches.
The Spanish sports press appear unanimous on their appraisal of Ronaldinho's dip in form, but some appear to believe his star is on the wane.
El Mundo daily on Friday said Ronaldinho is no longer "untouchable" while Barcelona-based La Vanguardia said the player was "in torment".
Ronaldinho could be paying the price for his reported behaviour off the field too.
Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia added that 48 hours before Barcelona's goalless draw against Osasuna at home on Sunday Ronaldinho was seen at a a famous nightclub in the city.
"No one understands" the decline in form of the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year award, conservative daily newspaper ABC added.
Brazil defeats Denmark 1-0 to reach women's World Cup quarterfinals
Brazil fought off a determined Denmark Thursday to set up a quarterfinal clash with Australia at the women's World Cup.
The 1-0 win, coupled with China's 2-0 victory over New Zealand, means that Denmark was eliminated along with the Kiwis.
With star Marta pulling the strings, Brazil dominated Denmark but could not score until the first minute of injury time when substitute Pretinha raced onto a through ball and lifted it over the onrushing Danish goalkeeper Heidi Johansen.
Brazil could have scored more except for poor finishing and great goalkeeping by Johansen.
The pro-Brazilian crowd at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium oohed and awed each time Marta touched the ball, and she did not disappoint, launching passes around the field and dribbling past defenders.
Halfway through the first half, the FIFA player of the year powered by two defenders only to see her shot bounce off the post.
Marta's best chance came with 20 minutes left in the game when she exchanged passes with a teammate and cracked a low shot which a diving Johansen tipped around her post.
The win means Brazil finished top of Group D with nine points and will play Australia, the second-place finisher in Group C, in the quarterfinal on Sunday.
"It will be a very difficult game as the game was against Denmark. I have a strong belief we can get a good result," Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos said.
He said Brazil had some problems because he decided to rest defender Aline and midfielder Renata Costa due to worries they would pick up a second yellow card and be forced to sit out the quarterfinals.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Kerlon's `seal dribble' sparks outcry in Brazil
Ingenious or incendiary, promising or provocative, the "seal dribble" is stirring up controversy in Brazil. Cruzeiro playmaker Kerlon, the midfielder at the center of the debate, confounds and irritates opponents by repeatedly bouncing the ball off his head to run past defenders.With the ball out of reach, opposing players find it hard to stop Kerlon, 19, without fouling him. Some players say the move breaks unwritten soccer ethics, and they argue that Kerlon uses the move to show off, not to try to score goals.
"It is a provocation. He may have to be sidelined for several years if he gets kicked in the face," said former Brazil goalkeeper and current Atletico Mineiro coach Emerson Leao.
Kerlon's latest balancing act caused a nationally televised brawl as Cruzeiro beat rival Atletico Mineiro 4-3 in the Brazilian league Sunday. Shortly after Cruzeiro took the lead for good, Kerlon performed the move. Then Atletico defender Coelho leveled him with a hard tackle. Atletico players charged Kerlon, screaming at him and accusing him of provoking them with the dribble. Kerlon's teammates came to his rescue, and the scuffle lasted several minutes.
Kerlon is undeterred by the critics.
"It's my move," he said. "It's not the first time I do it and it won't be the last. ... They'll need to create a new law if they want me to stop."
Marcelo: Roberto Carlos big boots to fill
Marcelo was delighted to make his first competitive start for the season in Real Madrid�s 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen.
The Brazil international left-back has struggled to find a place in coach Bernd Schuster's plans since the German's arrival, but impressed in last night's win.
"For me it was very important to play in this game against Werder. The fans were brilliant with me. Robert Carlos was here for many years and for that reason I have much responsibility when I play on the flank," said Marcelo.
"I believe that I need a little more confidence, but I see it coming. Schuster has given me a great chance."
Goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy said: "I enjoy playing in this team with so many offensive players. Clearly, it can be a gamble - especially against a good attacking team, but it is something I am enjoying being involved in."
Inter Milan No1 Julio Cesar: Mancini was angry
Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar admits coach Roberto Mancini was furious in the aftermath of last night's 1-0 defeat at Fenerbahce.
"It didn't go well. With all the players suspended, I thought a draw would've been a good result, but it went this way," said the Brazilian.
"It is possible we didn't see the right approach, as after the final whistle the Coach told us our attitude has to change. Now we will prepare for the next Serie A and European game, we have to improve.
"Mancini was angry, but we all were, as nobody likes to start the Champions League with a defeat. It's only right he was cross with us."
Julio Cesar added: "Last season we had a bad start as well, losing our first few games, but we qualified anyway and so must carry on with our heads held high.
"We have a very strong squad and with these players, we must always believe in our potential.
"I think that the Coach can better explain what went wrong tonight, so I don't like discussing these things."
Furious Robinho blanked Real Madrid TV
Robinho was furious after starting Tuesday night's victory over Werder Bremen on the Real Madrid bench.
Marca says the Brazilian winger was angry, having only played 21 minutes as a second-half substitute. After the match, Robinho blanked all waiting media - including the club's own Real Madrid TV channel.