Technical Report and Statistics - Fifa

Alongside their defensive unity, the USA impressed above
all through their speedy counterattacks led by Donovan.
BRAZIL
Brazil fully lived up to their reputation as one of the
tournament favourites and, with an overall record of fi ve
victories and 14 goals, deservedly won this year’s FIFA
Confederations Cup. Their formation was a mixture of
4-2-3-1 and 4-2-2-2. In the former, Robinho (11) tended to
play on the left side of midfi eld, while in the more attacking
line-up, he played as a second striker alongside Luis Fabiano
(9). The back four, led by captain Lucio (3), and the excellent
goalkeeper Julio Cesar (1) grew in confi dence from game to
game after conceding three goals to Egypt in the fi rst match.
The defensive midfi eld was controlled by Gilberto Silva (8)
and Felipe Melo (5), while Kaká was the team’s linchpin
going forward. With his high-tempo runs, vision and precise
passes to front players, he was the catalyst for the Brazilians’
play. Full-back Maicon (2) made an outstanding contribution
on the right channel thanks to his tireless running and
crossing ability. Up front, Luis Fabiano was the tournament’s
top marksman with fi ve goals, and was supported
effectively by Robinho with his element of surprise. The
Brazilians have changed their style under coach Dunga, with
FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009
counterattacking now a key part of their philosophy.
They gave a perfect demonstration of how to switch
quickly to attack after gaining possession, move the
ball quickly through midfi eld and play a killer fi nal
ball. Robinho’s goal to make it 2-0 after the team had
successfully defended a corner-kick against the USA was
a classic example of how to launch and fi nish off a direct
counterattack.
Conclusion
The signs from the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa
2009 were encouraging and the tournament provided a
successful dress rehearsal for next year’s FIFA World Cup
South Africa. The participating teams had the opportunity
to familiarise themselves with the general conditions in
the country, such as stadiums, training facilities, climate
and transport, and gained useful insights. Even nations
not taking part such as England, France, Germany and
Switzerland sent delegations including their national
coaches to gain fi rst-hand local knowledge. Without a
doubt, this tournament further whetted appetites for
the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
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