The nation with a claim to have perfected football (soccer) has fallen on hard times of late, by their own strict standards. Brazil comes to the Confederations Cup looking to score some goals and renew the world's love affair with its beautiful game.
Nothing inspires the imagination of football fans worldwide like the mention of Brazil's Selecao, as the nation's national team is known.
The five time World Cup champions are fan favorites wherever they go, largely for their attractive style of play that often yields high scoring contests which fans adore. But coach Dunga says the team is still acclimating to South Africa after the trip from Brazil, but appreciate the good reception they have been given here.
In South Africa for the Confederations Cup, the South American champions have commanded the attention of the media and local supporters throughout the country, as they look to add yet another title.
The defending champions did not disappoint in their opening match, scoring four even as they conceded three to African champions, Egypt. The Brazilians took all the spoils on a last minute penalty kick by their star Kaka.
The game was a tough one, says Brazil's coach Dunga, himself a three-time World Cup participant who led Selecao to victory in the 1994 World Cup played in the United States. Dunga has been roundly criticized in the Brazilian press for preferring a more conservative style of play, but Brazil has picked up the pace of late, scoring ten times in its last three official matches.
The Brazilians are led by Kaka, who recently secured a record $80 million transfer from his previous team AC Milan to Spanish giant Real Madrid. They also count skilled players such as Robinho and Juan among their ranks.
Having defeated Egypt, the Brazilians are atop group B along with Italy, headed into Thursday's match with the United States in Pretoria. The Brazilians will then take on world champion Italy in a much-awaited dual to round out group play.
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