Brazil unworried by lack of worries
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-29 10:37 As the cows graze peacefully
on a grassy hillock overlooking their practice ground in the idyllic village of
Weggis, all appears to be bliss and harmony in Brazil's World Cup training camp.
With just over two weeks to go until their World Cup opener against Croatia,
the world champions are enjoying an unprecedented run of good fortune.
There are have been no injury scares, none of the traditional controversies
over who should be in the squad and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, plagued by
minor injuries and speculation over his weight, appears to be getting thinner.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has even been bold enough to hame his staring
line-up for June 13, with the Magic Quartet of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano and
Kaka spearheading the attack.
Training sessions have been held in a carnival atmosphere before packed
crowds of 5,000 fans. Not even Friday's minor pitch invasion, when a woman
managed to dodge security and hug Ronaldinhio has dampened spirits.
Some commentators, however, worry that it may all be too good to be true and
what Brazil really need is a nice, big row to shatter their confidence and
disturb the peace.
The worriers point out that when Brazil have started the World Cup as
favourites, such as in 1982 and 1990, they have crashed out before the
semi-finals.
Their last three of their record five World Cup wins, however, have all
followed turbulence.
Though it may seem incredible nowadays, Brazil arrived in Mexico at the 1970
World Cup amid widespread apprehension back home following the last minute
decision to sack coach Joao Saldanha and bring in Mario Zagallo.
Their 1994 win, also under Parreira, followed a rocky campaign along the road
to the United States which included a 2-0 defeat away to Bolivia, their
first-ever defeat in World Cup qualifier.
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