2010 FIFA World Cup: Brazil Plays in Down Tempo and Scores Five

Brazil's 5-1 win against Tanzania concludes the team's preparation for their debut in the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 15 against North Korea.

But like I mentioned in a previous article , this result and the match itself means very little for the Brazilians.

Maybe two good things we got from this match were:

1) Ramires should be in the starting line-up . He's the youngest player on the squad but has so much personality and effectiveness on the pitch that I will get really upset if Dunga doesn't realize that the former Cruzeiro and now Benfica player will give the team more quality than either Gilberto Silva or Felipe Melo.

2) Dani Alves complains like a little girl but he can sure be played as a right winger with Maicon. The two players were called up to fight for the same position in the right backside of the defense, but in the case of a not-so-productive Elano and the need of more depth on the right side, Dani Alves is a great option.

He'll sure become a liability if he starts whining every time he's fouled, but that's something Dunga can take care of.

The goals against Tanzania came when Brazil sped up the tempo a little bit. Robinho scored the opening at the 10th minute and then again at the 33rd.

In the second half, Ramires made his case and scored at the 53rd. Kaká scored at the 75th after a misread ball from the goalkeeper, and Ramires finished things up by scoring his second of the night at the 92nd.

As for Tanzania; they did play better than Zimbabwe and had a few chances here and there.

The goal they scored at the 86th minute was probably one of the most important in Aziz's career and sure gave the crowd another reason to be happy for a long time, but it also doesn't prove anything about Brazil's defense.

Defenders need to be focused all the time, but it's a little hard to stay in the game when you're not under pressure and the score is already 4-0. We'll probably only be able to analyze Brazil's defense in the second match against Ivory Coast.

So now it's time for Dunga's boys to forget about the hype and expectations and concentrate on the task they have ahead of them: bring home the World Cup.

Every game, every goal, every play matters. Brazil can't do like I've seen in many World Cups in the pasts where they "bake" the game thinking that just because they're "the Brazilians" they'll score whenever they want to.

They need to take the tradition of our yellow jerseys very seriously and prove on the field that we do produce the best football in the world.



BRAZILIAN LEAGUE UPDATES:

I will give you all the results from this last weekend of the Brazilian League which is also the last round of matches before the 30-day break when the entire country turns its attention to the World Cup.

But before that, let me give you some quick news on transfer rumors and so.

• Vasco's young star could stay until December. The ultra-skilled 17-year-old Philippe Coutinho, who already belongs to Inter Milan, might receive authorization from the Italian club to stay in Brazil for another six months. Coutinho doesn't have a European passport, so it will all depend on who leaves and who stays in Inter's squad after the summer transfers.

• "Real Madrid is speculating," says Ganso . Paulo Henrique Ganso's agents deny that the talented Santo's midfielder gave Real Madrid preference to negotiate his transfer. It means that the door is open for any offers to come for the young talent.

• Porto wants Tardelli . Atletico-MG finish this first half of the Brazilian League in the relegation zone and if the efficient striker Diego Tardelli leaves, things might get even worse for the Avenger Galo.

• Palmeiras ready for Scolari and Kleber . The announce of the return of striker Kleber (coming from Cruzeiro) and manager Luis Felipe Scolari brings new motivation for Palmeiras fans who are desperate to see the team fight for a title again.

• Cruzeiro looking for new coach. Adilson Batista said goodbye to his players after this weekend's match and now Cruzeiro is talking to former Fluminense manager Cuca.

• Corinthians finish first half of the tournament on top. After a dramatic 2-2 tie against Botafogo this weekend, the Mighty Timão secured the top of the table but also added another injury to the squad. Dentinho pulled his hamstring and joins other six players— including Ronaldo—who are sidelined with injuries. This 30-day break came in good time for Corinthians.

Brazilian League Week 7 Results

Avaí 0-3 Fluminense

Vitória 1-0 Atlético-PR

Flamengo 1-2 Goiás

Atlético-MG 0-1 Ceará

São Paulo 3-1 Grêmio

Botafogo 2-2 Corinthians

Santos 4-0 Vasco

Guarani 1-0 Grêmio Prudente

Internacional 1-1 Palmeiras

Atlético-GO 2-1 Cruzeiro