In participation in the ESPN FC and ESPN English, the commentator Steve Nicol fired harsh words at Brazilian Team current situation, which faces the England this Saturday (23), at 4pm (Brasília time), in friendly.
Nicol, who was a right-back for Liverpool it’s yes Scotlandrecalled the incredible Brazilian teams of the 70s and 80s and stated that today’s squad does not “even remotely” resemble “Brazil vintage” from past.
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From the squad called up by Dorival Juniorthe only athlete that stands out for the commentator is the striker Vinicius Jr.do Real Madrid.
After “Malvadeza”, Nicol says he has difficulty choosing names he would like to see playing, for example, in his favorite team.
“No, Brazil is no longer the best team in the world, and it’s kind of unbelievable to think about it. Germany and Brazil were the true pioneers of how to win in national team football, both in terms of game and style. Of course, Brazil still has some names, they still have Vini Jr., but after that, I struggle (to find someone good in the lineup)…”, he pointed out.
“You look at the team that will probably start the game against England (this Saturday) and think: ‘Who of these guys would I like to see playing for my team?'”, he joked.
“At the moment, there aren’t many guys (that the English would like on their teams). There is the Raphinhawho is usually the holder of the Barcelona. He should start against England. Has the Richarlison too… But he is not the main highlight of the Tottenham, to be 100% fair. You look at the current team and wonder where those superstars are that we got used to seeing and admiring for so many years”, he sighed.
The Brazilian team’s dressing room before the friendly against England Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
“They [Brasil] They are in a horrible moment. If you want to be extremely optimistic, you could say that they are in a qualifying position in the (South American) qualifiers for the world Cupbut in 6th place… This is a team that, in the worst case scenario, should be in 2nd place at most, behind Argentina. This is not Brazil’vintage‘, not by a long shot”, he lamented.
“And the truth is that we wonder when we will see the Brazil of before again… They still produce good players, of course, but they no longer produce good teams”, he concluded.
In historical retrospect, Brazil gives a “wash” to this Saturday’s rival: in 26 matches, are 11 Brazilian victories, 11 draws and only 4 British triumphs.
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If the current phase is taken into account, however, the moments are very different…
While the Brazilian team is going through a dark phase, with 3 consecutive defeats and 4 matches without winning, the English are undefeated for 10 duels and have not lost a game since the 2022 World Cup.