Much has been made about the “magical quartet” of FIFA World Cup holders Brazil. The starting attacking foursome of Ronaldo, Adriano, Kaka and World Player of the Year Ronaldinho is enough to frighten the life out of opposing coaches and defenders.
But so far, Adriano and Kaka have one goal apiece, Ronaldinho has not been his usual effervescent self, and only Ronaldo, the most criticized of the bunch in the run-up to the World Cup, has performed well. In fact, the Brazilian squad has been reprimanded by the press for not playing the type of football we have come to expect from them. But some unlikely heroes have come to the forefront to hold the Brazilians together as they prepare for their quarterfinal match against France.
Midfielders Emerson, Ze Roberto, and Gilberto Silva have been integral to Brazil holding their opposition to one goal in four games. Emerson and Ze Roberto hold the starting spots in central midfield, and their job is to allow the attacking players to push forward as much as they want without too much worry of tracking back. Also, they bring a wealth of experience to the Brazilian side, with a combined 195 international appearances between them. All three play for established European sides (Emerson with Juventus, Ze Roberto with Bayern Munich, Gilberto for Arsenal), so they are used to playing in high-profile matches. Ze Roberto has had to retool his game from an attacking left-sided midfielder to a defensive player, although he showed sublime skill by beating the offside trap and using the slightest of touch to tip the ball past the keeper before tapping in for the final goal of a 3-0 victory over Ghana in the knockout phase.
Emerson, Ze Roberto and Gilberto have been Brazil’s top three players while the attackers look for their form. Emerson should shake off a slight injury for the match against France, but Brazil will be happy to know they have a battle-tested veteran like Gilberto to slot in. With this midfield combination holding it down in the centre of the pitch, the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka will have the freedom to express themselves as only they can.
Tottenham v Blackburn - Match Preview - 19 November 2006
Two sides looking for something to spark their seasons clash at Ewood Park on Sunday as 15th-place Blackburn hosts 12th-place Tottenham.
Rovers are favored to win at home at 2.50, and Spurs are set at 3.00. A draw is rated at 3.30.
Blackburn fought hard, but were shut out 1-0 at home by Manchester United last weekend. Blackburn were outshot 16-10, and were booked four times in the fixture.
Robbie Keane's 24th-minute penalty was not enough as Spurs were beaten 3-1 at Reading in their last league match. Spurs led in both shots and possession, but their defence could not hold firm.
Tottenham have won five and drawn twice of their past ten matches with Rovers, who hold a 10-9 lead in goals scored.
