Brazil's Goonish Tactics
We are not the only one noticing FIFA officiating and Brazil's "form" in this Cup... from Kevin Baxter at the LA TIMES...
Brazil has committed 96 fouls, more than any other team in this World Cup. It has also suffered the most fouls and earned the most yellow cards, resulting in a halting, physical and unattractive style of play more suited to the NFC North than the World Cup.
Call it the "jogo violento," the violent game. This year's Brazilian team has a better chance of touring with the WWE.
In last week's quarterfinal game with Colombia, Scolari decided the best way to control James Rodriguez, the 22-year-old gifted striker, was to pummel, push and pound him.
And although Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo called a 2014 World Cup-high 54 fouls, 31 on Brazil, he showed only four yellow cards, which allowed the physical play to continue.
Fernandinho, who has 12 fouls in 206 minutes of World Cup play, was Brazil's designated goon, a hockey-style enforcer assigned to take Rodriguez out of his rhythm.
On Monday, Germany Coach Joachim Loew called Brazil's tactics excessive and brutal, and warned Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez to be on the lookout for rough play.
(Earlier in the tournament, Rodriguez missed Luis Suarez dining al fresco on an Italian opponent, so good luck with that Joachim.)
Brazil has committed 96 fouls, more than any other team in this World Cup. It has also suffered the most fouls and earned the most yellow cards, resulting in a halting, physical and unattractive style of play more suited to the NFC North than the World Cup.
Call it the "jogo violento," the violent game. This year's Brazilian team has a better chance of touring with the WWE.
In last week's quarterfinal game with Colombia, Scolari decided the best way to control James Rodriguez, the 22-year-old gifted striker, was to pummel, push and pound him.
And although Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo called a 2014 World Cup-high 54 fouls, 31 on Brazil, he showed only four yellow cards, which allowed the physical play to continue.
Fernandinho, who has 12 fouls in 206 minutes of World Cup play, was Brazil's designated goon, a hockey-style enforcer assigned to take Rodriguez out of his rhythm.
On Monday, Germany Coach Joachim Loew called Brazil's tactics excessive and brutal, and warned Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez to be on the lookout for rough play.
(Earlier in the tournament, Rodriguez missed Luis Suarez dining al fresco on an Italian opponent, so good luck with that Joachim.)
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