Brazil wins back respect of its fans
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Jun 25, 2013
As many as 100,000 protesters are expected to take to the streets. Such is the concern that Belo Horizonte's public ministry suggested that the match be postponed.
It is expected, though, to go ahead with Brazil, winner of its three group matches, firmly the favorite against neighbor and old rival Uruguay.
Brazil's nine goals have Coach Luis Felipe Scolari comparing his current team to the great Brazilian teams of the past.
"The fans may not have been 100 percent sure we were that strong," he said, "but now we are earning back the history of Brazil teams. We are better than we were in February. We have a good foundation in place now and the whole group is more confident."
It's certainly a change from the last time Brazil was at the Estadio Mineirao in May when it was jeered by the crowd during its 2-2 tie against Chile.
Uruguay won the 2011 Copa America but has been struggling recently in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Still, Scolari isn't taking the Celeste lightly.
"[Edinson] Cavani is the top striker in Italy, [Diego] Forlan was the best player at Copa America and [Luis] Suarez was the best player in England."
Probable Lineups:
Brazil -- Julio Cesar, Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz (or Dante), Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho (or Hernanes), Oscar, Hulk, Neymar, Fred.
Uruguay -- Muslera, Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceres, Perez, Rios (or Rodriguez), Gonzalez (or Gargano); Forlan, Suarez, Cavani.
Referee: Enrique Osses (Chile).
Congratulations Paul for this excellent piece of news story !
After watching a few games, there's no doubt that with Luis Felipe Scolari "Felipão" back at the helm of the Brazilian National Football Team, "A Seleção" is showing the qualities and the beauty of Brazilian Teams of the past. It takes a great coach to change the dynamics and mindset of a team. VIVA BRASIL!
Brazilian NT is looking much better, but I would not compare it yet to top Brazilian Teams of the past...