Toca Bola: A Brazilian Soccer Team Blog

Meet recently called up, Rever. (btw he’s a defender) - tB

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:06:09 -0400

Meet recently called up, Rever. (btw he’s a defender) - tB

Confederations Cup Squad Announced

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:54 -0400

And presumably this will be the World Cup squad also if Felipao’s statement is to be believed. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the men that are in charge of making history next summer and win the World Cup for Brazil on Brazilian soil. Can they do it? - tB

Goalkeeprs:
Julio Cesar - Queens P. Rangers
Diego Cavlaieri - Fluminense
Jefferson - Botafogo

Centerbacks:
Thiago Silva - Paris Saint Germain
Rever - Atlético Mineiro
David Luiz - Chelsea
Dante - Bayern de Munique

Wingbacks:
Daniel Alves - Barcelona
Jean - Fluminense
Marcelo - Real Madrid
Filipe Luís - Atlético de Madrid

Mids:
Fernando - Grêmio
Hernanes - Lazio
Luiz Gustavo - Bayern de Munique
Paulinho - Corinthians

Attacking Mids/Forwards:
Jadson - São Paulo
Oscar - Chelsea
Lucas - Paris Saint Germain
Hulk - Zenit
Bernard - Atlético Mineiro
Leandro Damião - Internacional
Fred - Fluminense
Neymar - Santos

fuckyeahbrasilnt: [HQ] “Hahaha you’re on the...

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:55:53 -0400

fuckyeahbrasilnt:

[HQ]

“Hahaha you’re on the ground. That’s hilarious. Oh wait, the match is still in progress?! You’re team just scored its 7th goal on aggregate. Haha, you’re still on the ground” - D. Alves

The Coutinho Show … I wrote about this young talent two years...

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:23:04 -0400

The Coutinho Show … I wrote about this young talent two years ago and he’s begun to makes waves recently since his transfer from Inter Milan to Liverpool. Could a run out for the Selecao be out of the question?

Confederation's Cup Squad Already Confirmed??

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:16:09 -0400

Brazilian national head coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari confirmed to reporters yesterday that he already knows what his squad will be when the Selecao for the Confederation’s Cup. This is a significant declaration when you consider that the Confed Cup team is traditionally a 80-90 % predictor for the full World Cup squad. Scolari explained,

“I have no doubts, but I am afraid as the tournaments are reaching the latter stages.” “They are tough games, intense and someone might get injured that might force me to change the squad.”

It’s anybody’s guess what the World Cup veteran coach has in mind but his resoluteness, if anything else, is assuring. Fans won’t have long to wait for the announcement either. The official announcement of the squad that will play the tournament will be released on May 14th. Who do you think made the cut? - tB

Brazil Callup Sheet for Game Vs. Chile

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:16:28 -0400

Alexandre Pato - Corinthians

André Santos - Grêmio

Dedé - Vasco

Diego Cavalieri - Fluminense

Fernando - Grêmio

Henrique - Palmeiras

Jadson - São Paulo

Jean - Fluminense

Jefferson - Botafogo

Leandro - Palmeiras

Leandro Damião - Internacional

Marcos Rocha - Atlético Mineiro

Neymar - Santos

Osvaldo - São Paulo

Paulinho - Corinthians

Ralf - Corinthians

Rever - Atlético Mineiro

Ronaldinho - Atlético Mineiro

… on paper you’d think that Brazil’s B-squad could compete with another country’s A-squad. On paper, that is. - tB

Brazil vs Bolivia highlights

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:41:19 -0400

Brazil vs Bolivia highlights

afootballreport: Dále, Kaká! “I think that things are getting...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:57:35 -0400

afootballreport:

Dále, Kaká!

“I think that things are getting better for me, above all at my club. I’m playing more often at Madrid. The supporters are showing that they appreciate me and that is an extra motivation. Now I hope to make the most of this chance with Brazil.”

Hampered by injuries for the latter part of his career, Kaká has worked persistently to regain his place, not only with Real Madrid, but with the Brazilian national team as well. Things are getting better, but there’s still room for improvement, and tonight, as Brazil takes on Italy, Ricky has a golden opportunity to prove himself once again.

From his first days with Sao Paulo until his last, how can you not be supporting Kaká for one last run with the Selecão? [Posted by Maxi]

Brazil Starting 11 vs. Italy

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:25:59 -0400

Brazil side for friendly against
Italy.

J.César

D.Alves, Dante, David Luiz, Filipe Luís

Fernando, Hernanes; Oscar

Hulk, Fred, Neymar

… No Thiago Silva but I like Hernanes in there. Also, Is Fred up to the test? - tB

"There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and..."

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:19:22 -0400

““There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and especially when the opponents are Brazil.””

- A. Pirlo (Italian midfielder), on upcoming match between the two countries

Player Profile: Diego Costa

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:15:00 -0400

Name: Diego da Silva Costa
Position: Forward
Height: 6’ 2”
Age: 24
Club: Atletico de Madrid (ESP)

Who is Diego Costa? That’s one of the questions I had when Filipao released his latest call-up list. Upon closer examination I found a Brazilian s striker cut in a physical, hard nosed mold, but with a powerful right leg and eye for goal. Diego came up by way of the Portuguese leagues, having played early in his career for clubs like Braga and Penafiel. In 2007 he was purchased by Atletico de Madrid but remained on loan to Spanish clubs Rayo Vallecano and Celta. In 2010, Atletico brought their Brazilian striker home to back up then forward Aguero. Lately, Costa has been the author of several key goals for the club but also been the center of some controversial disciplinarian issues on the field. One such incident involved Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos and a lot of spitting.

How long will Diego Costa fly with the Selecao?

While its not clear if Costa has a long term future with the selecao, its clear that Filipao has his eye out for all strikers as he looks to build for next year’s cup. With Pato and L. Damiao seemingly incapable of recuperating form or unable to get another chance with the Selecao, the strikers role is up for grabs. The constant shuffle and experimentation up front is a risky scenario for Brazil. It would’ve been nice to stick with Damiao considering his form for us during the Olympics. Time will tell if Atletico’s fiery front man has the temperament to cement his place. - tb

Latest Brazil Callup (vs. Russia and Italy)

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:09:39 -0500

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Diego Cavalieri.

Defenders: Dani Alves, Filipe Luis, Dante, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Dedé, Marcelo.

Midfielders: Ralf, Paulinho, Ramires, Hernanes, Kaka, Oscar, Fernando, Jean, Luiz Gustavo.

Strikers: Neymar, Lucas, Hulk, Fred, Diego Costa.

… that Ronaldinho experiment didn’t last very long. Cheers for Hernanes! Your thoughts?- tB

Pele, Neymar Not A Savior

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:39:48 -0500

“He is an excellent player but he doesn’t have any experience outside Brazil. In every game he plays outside Brazil, he doesn’t do well. Everybody thinks Neymar can solve the national team’s problems, but he isn’t ready for that burden.” -Pele, on Neymar

afootballreport: Nike and ‘O Canarinho’: 17 years of tears and...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:23:43 -0500

afootballreport:

Nike and ‘O Canarinho’: 17 years of tears and cheers

‘Amarelinha’ - A jersey belonging to a roaring, dancing, football fevered nation. A yellow shirt worn by many of football’s greatest performers, who never fail to entertain and earned 5 engraved stars: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002.

As Neymar puts it: “To wear it [the shirt] is the greatest honor for me and my teammates.”

The Brazilian national team is a rich global reference to both modern and historic football, 11 men always playing with a smile - a team which will always viewed as a one of the best, who every year promote a selection of the world’s finest talents to ‘A Seleção’, where they wear the iconic yellow shirt on top of their chests.

Since Nike took over as shirt sponsor for Brazil in 1996, they’ve produced 11 shirts, featuring in 264 official games. Plenty of past and current players have entertained millions in the ‘Amarelinha’ and written history, from crashing out in the 1998 World Cup final and bouncing back 4 years later under the dazzling displays of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and co. The talent never runs out and it probably never will.

That yellow kit has created a unique image for Brazil, one which represents their passion for their very own ‘Joga Bonito’ style, which is now seen across the globe. And let’s not forget those adverts, ranging from waiting in an airport lounge to the ‘Ole!’ match versus Portugal and free-styling in a changing room.

Their latest jersey, which was revealed on Rio’s infamous Copacabana beach during a youth football tournament by Neymar, is a shirt reminiscing a classic look, once again carrying a ~~Cantona~~ collar.

The latest ‘Amarelinha’ makes it debut on Wednesday night, where we see the return of Ronaldinho. AFR will be at Wembley to watch ‘O Canarinho’ do what they do best - jogar futebol. See you there…

[Posted by Dom]

Squad to face England (6th Feb 2013)

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:00:30 -0500

fuckyeahbrasilnt:

Julio Cesar - Queens Park Rangers

Diego Alves - Valencia

Daniel Alves - Barcelona

Adriano - Barcelona

David Luiz - Chelsea

Dante - Bayern München

Leandro Castán - Roma

Miranda - Atlético de Madrid

Filipe Luís - Atlético de Madrid

Ramires - Chelsea

Arouca - Santos

Paulinho - Corinthians

Hernanes - Lazio

Oscar - Chelsea

Ronaldinho Gaúcho- Atlético Mineiro

Hulk - Zenit

Neymar - Santos

Lucas - PSG

Fred - Fluminense

Luís Fabiano - São Paulo

[cbf]

Let the starting lineup discussions begin! New coach, new system. The big question will be Ronaldinho over Kaka?? It seems like Felipao is reaching for a veteran core in his squad. - tB

afootballreport: R9 x 3nil Our friends at 3nil are finally...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:53:12 -0500

afootballreport:

R9 x 3nil

Our friends at 3nil are finally paying homage to one of the greatest strikers of all time.

That striker is Ronaldo. The original. O Fenomeno. Featuring his beloved Brazil’s yellow and green, this poster captures the spirit of a true legend of our beautiful game.

Don’t wait to snap this up, you never know when a great poacher is around the corner.

O Fenomeno!

fuckyeahbrasilnt: [HQ] Wishing Lucas the best of luck in 2013...

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:05:50 -0500

fuckyeahbrasilnt:

[HQ]

Wishing Lucas the best of luck in 2013 - tB

Brazil U-20 Squad for South American Championship

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:29:37 -0500

Goalies:

Matheus Caldeira - Corinthians

Luis Gustavo - Vitória

Defenders:

Samir - Flamengo

Antônio Carlos - Corinthians

Doria - Botafogo

Luan - Vasco da Gama

Wingers:

Douglas Santos - Náutico

Mansur - Vitória

Wallace - Fluminense

Igor Julião - Fluminense

Midfielders:

Jadson - Botafogo

Misael - Grêmio

Lucas Cândido - Atlético Mineiro

Felipe Anderson - Santos

Rafael Alcântara - Barcelona

Mattheus - Flamengo

Fred - Internacional

Forwards:

Marcos Junio - Fluminense

Bruno Mendes - Botafogo

Ademilson - São Paulo

Adryan - Flamengo

Leandro - Grêmio

This young squad has a few notable names. Flamengo’s Adryan has received a lot of press and is hailed as a potential star. Doria of Botafogo recently was linked to Man City and their list of ever growing talent.

Two names stick out in midfield. One, Rafael of all mighty Barcelona. This young star has played for the senior squad over in Spain and recently made the surprising decision to represent Brazil after previously representing Spain in the U-19 catergory. His dad is Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho and his brother is none other than Thiago that also plays for the Catalan giants.

The second name in midfield is Mattheus. Most will probably be unfamiliar with his name and rightfully so. Yet, he is none other than Brazilian legend and World Cup winner Bebeto’s son. And yes, he’s the “baby” that Bebeto celebrated in his famous goal celebration all the way back in 1994. -tB

Felipao Part II

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:11:00 -0500

And so this is it. The CBF’s last gamble. It’s not surprising really. The federation had one choice; go with a big name or risk immense backlash. Only time can tell if this experiment will work. I remember the qualifying tournament for 2002 quite well in which Felipao took Brazil through. It was clouded in doubt and very little people gave Brazil a chance. He managed though. Can he fuse the new generation with the older guard? What system will he choose? Surely not the 3-4-3 he used in ‘02 right?

As far as I’m concerned this squad must be built around three key players. Neymar. Oscar. Thiago Silva. Three players, three areas of the field. Kaka needs to be influential. I’ll be the first to predict Kaka (in an overly unexpected fashion) has the tournament of his life. Don’t count D.Alves. His culture of winning from Barca could be important in setting the tone throughout the locker room. I can’t for the life of me think up a good formation except for Manos daring 4-2-4-0.. what should the lineup be? Who should start? It’s all a gamble from here forward -tB

fuckyeahbrasilnt: 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Host Cities...

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:31:54 -0500

fuckyeahbrasilnt:

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Host Cities Posters

Beautiful art.