Part 32 of 32: The Brazilian Interview
For the final part of the series, I caught up with Victor Sarto. Victor was born to Brazilian parents in the United States. He is a hardcore football fan, following his Brazilian team, Palmeiras, as well as the national team of course. He attended all the games at Stanford during the 94 World Cup…and went to the Brazil-Sweden semis…and the final. Despite him being born in the United States, he doesn’t really care for the American team. He doesn’t like their style of play nor most of their players. So, when Brazil plays the US, it’s a no-brainer, Victor says, just to clarify.
I thank Victor for agreeing to the interview.
What style of football does the national team play?
Ever since Zagallo became coach for Brazil in 98, Brazil’s teams have had a more offensive flavor, a stark change from our 86, 90, and 94 teams. Currently, I’d say that this team of our’s is the most offensive since 82. Kaka and Ronaldinho as our midfield playmakers. Technically, we have two volantes, or holding midfielders, but Ze Roberto’s natural position is O-Mid. He’s serviceable either way, although I would prefer someone else.
What do you think your country’s prospects are?
Brazil has been clear-cut favorites 3 recent cups. 82, 98, and now, in 2006. 82 and 98 ended in failure. Hopefully, third time is a charm. Our team as a whole has played well in recent games, most notably during last year’s Confederations Cup. Some of our players though, namely, Adriano, Dida Cafu, and Roberto Carlos are in a bit of a slump. I think we will walk out of our group with ease. However the 2nd round match up is a bit nerve-racking, since we will end up playing one of the teams from the other group of death: Italy, US, Czech Republic, or Ghana. To be honest, of all those teams, I’d prefer to play the Czechs, as I feel their offensive style will suit our play. The quarters, though, should be a nice reward for a tough 2nd round. We could face arguably the two weakest seeds in France and Spain…as well as some other teams with little World Cup expierence, such as Ukraine, Tunisia…and possibly Korea if they can get their act together.
Who will be the most important player for your country?
I will be a bit daring here and not pick the most obvious player. I feel that Brazil has sufficient depth at attacking midfielder to cover a loss to Ronaldinho. For this reason, I dont think he is the most important player for us. We have Juninho, whom on any other team, would be a sure starter and team star. A team with him playing as opposed to Ronaldinho is still extremely dangerous. I will go with the venerable Ronaldo as our country’s most important player. He still is irreplacable. Brazil’s depth at forward, although better than in recent memory, is still a bit shaky. Robinho has had a good season for Madrid, but I still feel he is unproven in Brazil’s system. Our 4th striker will likely be Fred, who has recently enjoyed a league title with Lyon. We havent seen much of him for Brazil, but he is capable. Adriano is a solid guy, but I’m a bit worried about his lack of production this season. Simply put, Ronaldo still is the goal scoring threat for Brazil. He may be almost 30, but he is still the man, and the one player whom I will count on for when we need that one play, much like in the Turkey semifinal in 2002.
Which player in your country’s side would you most like to get rid of?
Well, there are two moves which I wouldnt mind seeing. The first is benching Cafu in favor of Cicinho. Although Cafu is a living legend, his extensive injuries and below-average play this season are certainly a cause for concern. I dont think it’s fair to bench a player like Cicinho who is at the peak of his game over Cafu, a decorated player. Of course, doing this poses problems since Cafu is our captain. Another move which wouldnt surprise me if it ended up happening during the World Cup is Juninho over Ze Roberto. Both can play a more possessive style, but I think Juninho is the more lethal player, especially in dead-ball situations, where he is arguably the best in the world. Of course, doing this would hamper our depth. Juninho could also be an extremely effective super-sub. This move, at least now, isnt likely, especially when we consider Parreira’s attachment, for whatever reason, to Ze Roberto.
Who are the players to watch from the other countries?
I’m particularly keen on Shevchenko, since he has been the most consistent forward in Europe in the past 5 years. Should Ukraine make it out of the group phase, I think Sheva is a threat for the Golden Ball award.
I’m also interested to see how some of my South American “brothers” will do. I think Tevez is one of the best forwards in the world, although sometimes, I think he is a forgotten man since he plays in Brazil. I think this might be his formal introduction to the rest of the world. And of course, there is Messi. I dont expect him to be a starter immediately, but he will likely have an Owen role like in 98.
What will be your excuse in the event of failure?
I dont think there can be any excuses. None this time around. We have the best team since 82…perhaps even since 70. We have the greatest player since Maradona. It’s all or nothing
Have you got the right manager?
Parreira is one of our most decorated managers. He’s guided 4 different countries to the World Cup…Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE being the other 3. What impresses me the most about Parreira is his versatility. Just compare his 94 and 06 teams. They are completely different teams. 94 was a catanaccio type of team, despite the offensive prowess of such players as Romario and Bebeto. Parreira has been able to adapt his style of play to suit the current crop of players. In this case, he has created an offensive line-up featuring the Quarteto Mágico (Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho, and Kaka). I think Parreira struggles with some player favoritism (Ze Roberto) and elitism by starting Cafu over a more youthful Cicinho. But with that being said, I think most coaches have to deal with this. It’s easy to be an “arm-chair” coach, like the media and fans, which is why we will always see some of them complain about Parreira’s moves.
What advice would you give him?
Well, I would remind Parreira to keep his team disciplined. Part of Scolari’s success in 2002 was he created a family atmosphere, which called for comradery as well as discipline. This helped in forming good relationships on the field as well as controlling the massive egos of some of Brazil’s stars. I would also remind Parreira that he shouldnt be afraid of benching certain players. Again, I look to Scolari, who put in Kleberson in place of Juninho Paulista in the knock-out stages. Parreira, of course, also isnt afraid to do this. He benched Rai in 94, our #10, because of one poor game. I would hope that Parreira wouldnt be afraid of tinkering with his line-up…perhaps seeing Cicinho start a game or two…and the same with Juninho.
Which team do you most want to beat?
I think this one is obvious. It would delight me very much if we defeated Argentina, especially since we havent enjoyed success against them in recent World Cups (78 and 90). I also would like to beat France, since they’ve knocked us out twice, in 86 and of course, in that fateful final in 98.
Which team are Brazil most afraid of, if you have to select 1 team
I would say Im very afraid of Italy. They match up perfectly against us…a tough defensive opponent which is suited to take on an offensive team such as Brazil. They also have a quick counter-attacking game, which could definitely take advantage of some our defensive vulnerabilities. I also am worried about Mexico…they seem to have our number, although we only meet them in the semifinal, should they get that far.
Where will you watch the matches?
I’ll probably watch the games with my family and some Brazilians in the area. And, depending on if I go to Brazil, I’ll also watch some of the games there. In 2002, I saw the knock-out stages in Brazil. I was in Brasilia for the final, and after we won the game, we all went to the Planalto, the large capital lawn, and celebrated along with about 500,000 other residents. It was amazing.
How keenly will the World Cup be followed in your country?
Well, let’s just say that every game that Brazil will be playing in is a national holiday. The entire country will stop for those games.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
I think Ronaldinho or Ronaldo. Perhaps it is a bit biased, but both players have records to settle. There is Ronaldinho. If he has a good tournament, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be mentioned in the same breath as Cruyff, Platini, and Beckenbauer. And, since he is still young, he is capable of even being up there with Pele and Maradona. As for Ronaldo, he has the potential to break Gerd Muller’s World Cup goalscoring record. I think he will get it.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
If Adriano was in form, I might pick him. But I think at this point, I’m inclined to look at Ronaldo, Tevez, or Sheva. For Sheva, it depends on how his team fares. And Ronaldo and Tevez, whichever player lasts longer.
Which team will disappoint the most?
I think it will be the hosts. First, if France and Spain hadnt received such a favorable draw, I might pick them. But, Germany, I think their group is deceiving. Costa Rica and Poland are tricky teams. And, should Germany make their way out of the first round, they will likely face either England, Paraguay, or Sweden. I would pick any of those three teams over Germany, even at home. It seems that the entire country has lost their confidence in the hosts. Of course, we cant forget that Brazil was in this exact same situation in 2002, so who knows. I also have questions about Mexico. Portugal and Iran are both quality teams.
Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?
Well, if Ghana and Ivory Coast werent drawn into such difficult groups, I wouldve picked one of the two. But, I think Iran can really surprise. That group I think will ultimately come down to goal-difference…which team can score the most against poor Angola? Iran are a strong, physical team, and I think their style of play can trip up a more finesse team like Portugal. Mexico too might trip up. We shall see, but I have a feeling about Iran. Another team which I think could even inch their way to the quarters is Tunisia. They are arguably in the weakest group, and a second place finish, either behind Spain or Ukraine is a possibility. And, since France’s group is equally weak, they might be able to sneak by in the second round game.
Does the burden of the “favourites” tag bother you?
I dont think this label bothers me. I think confidence is necessary to win. You have to believe in yourself. It’s nice to not have to worry about your team form as a whole, like in 94 or 2002. We have an experienced team. All of our starters have been staples on this team for at least the past 3 years…some much more. They’ve seen it all. I think that the players are well familiar with the pressure that comes with the expectations of a whole nation. 4 of our starters, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Emerson are all holdovers from that disappointing 98 team. And the other players, like Dida, Lucio, and Kaka, have extensive European experience and should be used to the pressure by now.
Is it worrying that so many of your key players (Ronaldo, Adriano, Kaka, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dida, Lucio, Emerson) are either ageing, out of form or (in Adriano’s case) distracted by off-field events?
I’m a bit worried about three players in particular. Dida in goal. Our goalie situation at the moment is a bit tenuous. Rogerio Ceni and Marcos were injured for several months earlier this year. The same with Julio Cesar, although he has returned to good form. Dida, at his best though, his a top keeper. At his worst, well, we’ve all seen the clips. The important thing for Dida is to maintain his confidence. He seems to be a very sensitive player who is susceptible to swings in momentum…just look at last year’s Champions League final. As for Roberto Carlos, well, he’s a starter regardless of his form. Even an average Roberto Carlos is better than most left backs. I think he will get his act together. As for Cafu, he just needs to regain his form. The injury didnt help, but in limited action since his return from injury, he has looked good. I hope Milan will use him more in the last few games of Serie A.
Adriano’s form is also worrying. However, we cannot forget that Adriano plays his best for Brazil. He has over 20 goals in some 30 caps. That is a phenomenal scoring average. Even for Inter, he was never known as a scorer. But despite this, I am confident that his powerful left foot will appear when we need it, much like in that Copa America final against Argentina.
Ronaldo is back, although it would really help if he could maintain his health. I’m just glad that Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League. His goal tally this year is respectable given the limited games he has played. And, Ronaldo is hungry, and that’s when he is the most dangerous. Ronaldo lives off the doubts of his critics. Im sure he would love to repeat his performance in 2002.
Ronaldinho’s free-kick in versus England in the 2002 Quarter Final was a fluke, wasn’t it?!
It was the Foot of God.
Finally, Who will win the World Cup?
Well, I’ve never doubted Brazil. Perhaps this is because I’m of a younger generation that is only familiar with our tremendous successes in the past 12 years. But, from what I’ve seen with my own eyes, this the best team (or collection of players) ever, with a once in a generation player in Ronaldinho. And, from what I’ve read and heard in history, this team, talentwise, is up there with the all-time greats. The important thing to do is to learn from past mistakes. If a star is injured, dont play him…like with Ronaldo in 98 or Zico in 86. If you’re up in the second half, don’t be afraid to take your foot off the gas pedal. This is what killed us in 1982 against Italy.
Ultimately, I think Brazil will take it all. We also have an experienced mind coaching us in Parreira. Despite the questionable form of some of our players, we still have the depth to win it all. Brazil often lives on flashes of individual brilliance. This is where I think we are most dangerous. Most teams have one or two stars, and it is a bit easier to shut them down because a defense only has to concentrate on those particular players. However, with Brazil, we have 4 in the starting line-up. Even if one is well defended, and maybe another one has an off-game, we still have 2 other players with game-changing potential…and not to mention the players on our bench in Robinho and Juninho. This is a rarity, and I think because of this, we will be able to overcome a possible poor game out of Ronaldo or Ronaldinho. Here’s to hoping for the Hexacampeão!
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For the rest of the interviews, check out the World Cup interview series page.
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I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many people who have helped me in the completion of this fascinating series. From Neil and Matt who helped with the questions to each of the people who volunteered for the interviews, to Bob at World Cup Blog to the guys over at sites like bigsoccer, cricketweb and quite a few other sites to the people who suggested me names for people to be interviewed and sent in additional questions to be asked and any one whom I have forgotten - a big thank you. It has been a lot of fun.
Tags: Brazil, FIFA World Cup 2006, Football Interview Series.
