Fútbolita

The seleção have checked into their temporary boot camp in Curitiba (poooor fin!) and have taken their medical tests (courtesy of the Atlético Paranaense team!) Poor Nilmar seems afraid of needles while Fabuloso and Elano struggled to be brave men. They boys are also doing muscular exercises daily under the watchful eyes of Senhor Paulo Paixão and Fábio Mahseredjian. Oh Mio dios, those two instructors are not to be messed with.

Unfortunately, Kaka and Fabulouso sat out training but they’ll be back soon. Read more to see a MEGA GALLERY.. and yes, Luisao’s pained expression below wants you to go check it out!

Photos for Futbolita via R.Ribeiro
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Foto de R.Ribeiro

What a way to celebrate Independence Day in Brazil today (seriously, it’s a mark of a true footballing nation) : by trouncing the Argies 3-1 and qualifying for South Africa! Vamos então!!

Although the midfield still needs a little bit more effort (Ei Andre Santos, o que está fazendo, cara?!), tipos were lucky that Veron was the only pirate doing all the work (and he still couldn’t keep up). Mascherano was too busy marking Kaka – who kept rolling all over the pitch – and Carlos Tevez was nowhere near his best. Fabulouso’s goals also deserve to be inducted into the Wall of Fame. Tipo is the Man of the Moment and his finishing was pure class!

In the end, Argentina’s backline had only themselves to blame for allowing resident joker Luisão’s header in. It was a move that was practised countless of times in Granja Comary under the watchful eye of Dunga – a free kick taken by Elano, received by the tall defender and aptly slotted in. Gabriel Heinze Ketchup could’ve asked for fries with that.

Ironically, September 5 has proven to be an unlucky date for the Albicelestes. They opened their 1994 WC Campaign on the same day by losing to Colombia in a painful 5-0 defeat. Now the same date will be remembered for awarding their biggest rivals entry to the World Cup. Did you see that look on The Dona’s face as he bit his nails anxiously? He’s yet to bring out the best of the Messiah, but for now, that’s probably the least of his worries….

Bom dia! Day Four of the Soldados Bootcamp and the Argentinean Spiderman welcomes you with open arms! Yes, the fans went out in full force to buy tickets yesterday. A few succeeded, the rest didn’t but who cares when you have Spiderman in your queue?

Anyway, the Argentineans have been very calm about the prospect of facing their biggest football rivals so far. “We saw them waving positively when the bus arrived, they took photos and recognised us as a team with prestige in world football,” said our amigo in the team.

Fotos de R.Ribeiro

The selecao had an interesting mini game yesterday. The team was divided into 2 – led by ‘Captain Kaka’ and ‘Captain Robinho’. As usual, there were jokes aplenty, when Robinho’s team won 8-4.

Dani Alves, who was on Kaka’s losing side, complained : “Our team has not kicked in a goal but all we do is play, play, play. We’re like Exalta Samba!” (Brazilian pagoda musical group). Teased Luisão : “You’re getting boring!”

Kaka conceded defeat and when asked who was the worst player (again) in his team, he muttered : “At dinner, you will know …” Meanwhile, Gilberto Silva was happy with his performance. “The Gunner’s back! I scored three goals and also made two assists for two more,” he declared.

Photos via R.Ribeiro & Reuters

99.9% of the Brazilian public may not love Dunga but he doesn’t really care. Or does he?

“When I started with Brazil, people said I’d last two months, and three years later here I am. I just worry about the job I’m doing and I think that some people have taken this the wrong way,” he said yesterday. “I have to give all my attention to the players, who are the ones I depend on. If, after that, I can be nice to other people, tell jokes and be pleasant, then I will. Sometimes, I say things that people don’t want to hear…. but that’s my personality.”

Anyway, the squad spent a productive day at training yesterday to prepare themselves for today’s date with Egypt (no, there won’t be pharaohs around but their opponents can be pretty lethal.)

Players were split into two groups – one wearing yellow, and the other in orange bibs – and played a short game. Luisao, who is one of the squad’s major fun clowns, took the practise game a little too seriously, tackling Pato in the process. Then, from the sidelines, Kaka shouted : “Are you playing with fire, Pato? Beware of those who’re moving!” referring to the tall defender. After the game, Robinho jokingly declared that the “tiriça” (worst player on the field) had to go to either Kaka or Pato.

Felipe Melo, who was in the ‘yellow team’ also became confused midway, passing the ball to a player in the orange bib. “Felipe, you are wearing yellow, YELLOW!” his teammate screamed. Technically, they all wear yellow so differentiating can be a pretty challenging process anyway!

Photos : Ivo Gonzalez & R.Ribeiro

Is Luisão attempting to do a lap in the therapy pool? Luis Fabiano looks highly unimpressed!

Anyway, upon the Seleção’s return to Porto Alegre, they immediately got down to business although their trip was delayed by bad weather.

At the PUC RS Training Center, Doni, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Kleber, Josue, Anderson, Julio Baptista, Kaka, Pato and Adriano trained with the Grêmio youth squad. Meanwhile, players who featured in the Ecuador game retreated to the pool with the physiotheraphist. Maicon, who was injured on Sunday is receiving treatment at the moment.

Finally, Kaka is back with the team after intensive training in the past few days.  He said : “Thank you very much to all who were with me. After the last five weeks, I’ve improved a lot in the span of one week (here).” There’s now a high possibility that he will feature against Peru tomorrow.