2010 FIFA World Cup: Brazil Beats Zimbabwe, but Can WeTake That As a Real Test?

What to say about Brazil's win over Zimbabwe yesterday in this big round of International Friendlies as the teams prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?

Honestly, not much.

After Zimbabwe's enthusiastic beginning, which caused a couple of dangerous situations for the Brazilian defense, what we saw was a total control for the number-one-ranked team in the world. Beautiful passes, flair, and the total package of  “Joga Bonito” led Brazil to a uncontested 3-0 win. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH HE HIGHLIGHTS )

That being said, this is not the kind of match that affects Brazil's status as favorite to win the World Cup in South Africa. 

Don't get me wrong. I liked the way Kaká played yesterday, moving the ball and finding the open spaces. I also liked Elano not “hiding himself from the ball,” and more than that, I'm starting to believe that Julio Baptista could replace Kaká and still make the midfield work, in case we need him to. 

However, what really bothers me is the fact that most of the so-called favorites have been playing much tougher challenges and giving their squads a real taste of what the competition is going to be like.

Spain needed more than 80 minutes to break South Korea's defense and win 1-0. Holland beat Ghana 4-1, Portugal beat Cameroon 3-1, and Italy lost 2-1 to Mexico.

Those were some good challenges.

Brazil's last friendly will happen next Monday against Tanzania, ranked 108 according to FIFA.

Really?

Is that supposed to give the players a taste of the World Cup?

Why didn't Mr. Ricardo Teixeira accept South Africa's invite for a friendly? Or why didn't he look to play against another nation who will participate in the tournament? What about Egypt, Serbia, Nigeria? Those would have been great matches.

Ok, ok... maybe those countries weren't available, but what about some other African or Middle-Eastern nations that  even though won't be in the World Cup are notoriously better than Zimbabwe and Tanzania? Let's say Tunisia, Iran, Morocco, Bahrain, Senegal, Togo, Saudi Arabia...

Anyway, Brazil will probably trash Tanzania on Monday and then we'll have to wait anxiously until June 15, when they make their debut match in the 2010 FIFA World Cup against North Korea.

That's it from me today mates,

Cheers