Arsene Wenger Discusses Brazil

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks that the Brazil against North Korea did not look a team that would win the World Cup.

On his flight to Polokwane to watch France’s terrible showing today, the manager told the Times of India, “I felt that they lacked pace, and the midfield lacked creativity. To win a World Cup, that is important.”

The Times asked Wenger if Dunga made a mistake by not picking Ronaldinho in this final squad. He responded by stating, “You can never really tell. It is true that Ronaldinho is not Ronaldinho of two years ago. Maybe Dunga knew that best, but it is also true that Brazilian players are not as good now as they were earlier.”

Wenger finally stated that the team he had been most impressed with in the tournament after their first match was Germany.

I think Wenger is absolutely correct about the team lacking pace, particularly in the first half of the North Korea match. Felipe Melo and Juan were outrun on a couple of occasions. However, I think he does not give Brazil’s bench enough credit. I also expect the team to improve from Tuesday’s performance.

During the North Korea match, Robinho slid into Kaka’s position when Nilmar came on for him. I thought that helped increase the pace and creativity, along with Dani Alves’ substitution for Elano. If Juan gets beat like he did against North Korea again, Thiago Silva is on the bench waiting.