Confederations Cup: Brazil Have No Hope (of Losing to South Africa!)

No matter which way you look at it, there can scarcely be a question that tomorrow's Confederations Cup match between Brazil and host nation South Africa will be a one-sided affair.  In fact, the two teams are so clearly mismatched that the likely outcome could potentially be considered boring by some.

Thus it has been a surreal experience to read some of the unrealistically flattering comments that key Brazilian personnel have directed at their hosts, including a quote from coach Dunga, featured on the FIFA official website, in which it was stated "South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test."

Sure this sort of comment can be considered an attempt at sportsmanship or simply being "polite" to the hosts—and indeed it has even come to be expected in recent times —but in this particular case it comes across as false modesty. 

I believe that undermines the respect that we can attribute to such comments, and consequently the sincerity of those who make them.

Not that I mean to question Dunga's integrity, but how can we be expected to believe there is any real concern in the Brazilian camp (who have thus far scored 10 goals against the likes of Italy, Egypt, and USA) for the prospects of a side such as South Africa, who only qualified as they are the host nation and have thus far achieved a win over lowly New Zealand and a stale draw against Iraq.

Considering that Australia's exit from the Oceania contest meant an automatic promotion to the number one slot for New Zealand and that Iraq prevailed in one of the world's weakest football confederations, it is hard to understand the basis for any flattering comments with regard to South Africa's prospects against Brazil in the semi-final.

It is admirable, of course, that South Africa have made it this far and they deserve praise for the effort.  Perhaps the most flattering thing we can honestly say is that it was remarkable that they managed to keep Spain's winning margin to only two goals. 

But if Brazil were to lose this match, I dare say it would be virtually impossible for Dunga to return to his homeland, at least if he hopes to keep his hide intact.

The Brazilians did make a few tactical mistakes in their opening match against Egypt, when they were caught flat-footed twice in succession by the unexpected (and thoroughly brilliant) lightning-play tactics of their opponents, but we can expect that such embarrassing mistakes will not be repeated any time soon.

Which is why I feel that I can confidently predict that there is no hope for the Brazilians... to lose!

Prediction: Brazil to win by at least two goals.