BRAZIL

music: Sergio Mendes-Mas que Nada

It is said that all around the world with the exception of Argentina, you can pick a person and ask him who his favorite international side is and he will say, his home country first and Brazil second.

All around the world Braizillian soccer is revered for its flair, its skillful qualities and its commitment to aesthetics. The term "the beautiful game" was coined to describe how the Brazillians play, with an artistry that has brought them a record 5 World Cups and the only nation that has competed in every World Cup.

To say soccer is popular is a big anunderstatement as one can make. Soccer is a religion, a way of life in this Portugeuse speaking nation and the passion is evident by any visiting team with the misfortune of playing in 130,000 seat Estadio Maracana. Imagine 130,000 UK basketball fans with 5x times the passion and you'll get the idea. The great players are revered as semi deities while the displeasure with players and coaches that are not perceived as getting it done are jeered and insulted. An underperforming baseball manager's problems are minute compared to the job of National Team coach of Brazil. If Brazil can continue to improve on the rampant corruption Brazil would rightly be able to call itself the greatest place on earth for soccer.

The great players in Brazillian history reads like a Who's Who of Soccer history: Socrates, Garrincha, Didi, Dunga. Today, Brazil can boast of stars like Cafu, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and future stars, Diego & Kaka.

One of the most gifted midfielders
in the history of the game, Socrates.
(from www.brasilfutebol.com)

Ronaldo led Brazil to its latest
Worldcup glory
(fifaworldcup.com)

BLACKS IN BRAZILLIAN FOOTBALL

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Brazil has the largest Black population in South America given its history and location so there are Blacks throughout the leagues in Brazil and on the National Team. Such a discussion must begin with Pele who is revered all around the world as a football genius and the greatest player of all time. But one would also have to include his running mate on the 1970 team, Jairzinho, Reinaldo and Djalma Santos. Today players like Ronaldinho, Kleberson and Adriano carrry on this tradition of great Black Brazillian players.

Jairzinho is the only player to score
in every game of a World Cup tournament
(from www.brasilfutebol.com)

Ronaldinho served noticed that he
will be a star on Brazil's National Team
for some years to come (Reuters)

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Bottom line:

Always a favorite, both with the fans and the odds makers, Brazillian football is fun to watch and is played with a passion and artistry that has attracted fans the world over.

BRAZIL FACTS:
Association:Confederação Brasileira de Futebol
Founded: 1914
Soccer Confederation: CONMEBOL
Colors: Green & Gold
National Stadium: Estadio Maracana
Location: Rio De Janiero
Coach: Dunga
World Cup appearances:
1930,1934,1938,1950,1954,1958,1962,1966,1970,1974
1978,1982,1986,1990,1994,1998,2002, 2006, 2010

HONORS:
World Cup Champions: 1958,1962,1970,1994,2002

Copa America Champions: 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007

Confederations Cup: 2005, 2009



Brazillian National Team News and Score

Campeonato News and Scores

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