Samba in South Africa

The FIFA Confederations’ Cup has for generally been a stage for teams to assess themselves ahead of the world cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country. This year the tournament is being held in South Africa and thus far has brought out some remarkable performances. Egypt has been a revelation thus far as well as a newly invigorated Brazilian national team.

This weekend though we saw the humbling of a giant. Many observers of the 2006 world cup thought that Italy were not deserved winners of that tournament, and that their reign at the top of world football was more of a farce than an actuality. In all fairness to the Italians though, they probably were on a low after that shock defeat to Egypt in the round of matches before. The Brazilians on the other hand came into this match brimming with confidence, after one dominating performance against the Americans, and then a gritty battle against the Egyptians. Against Italy though, it was all Brazil. The only standout performers in a totally overpowered team were and aging Pirlo and Camoranesi. Everyone else would have put in a better showing cheering from the stands.

Italy was clearly out of their league. Cannavaro as we have seen on many an occasion this season was out paced and out thought by the incessant threat of Robinho, kaka, Fabiano and Ramires. Felipe Melo is quickly blossoming into one of the best players in the world in his position, and his dominance in the midfield made it too easy for the attacking maestros to do their jobs. Maicon was another outstanding performer in this match. Dossena? He was nothing more than a blue cone in this match as Maicon repeatedly shredded him on the right flank.

This game was an embarrassment for Italy. Marcelo Lippi really needs to re-evaluate his team and his selection policies because the majority of these players are clearly over the hill. Maybe the exclusion of Zambrotta and Toni might have made a difference, but the entire chain was weak, not just one or two players. Brazil are well and truly on their way to regaining their past status as one of the top, if not the top international team in the world. Only Spain stands in their way.