Brazil manager Dunga has left behind Brazil’s successful history of beautiful attacking football for a more defensive style of play.
Despite a impressive 3-0 victory over Chile to earn a quarter-final clash with Holland, Cruyff is not impressed with Dunga’s side, believing that the squad are the same as any other team in South Africa.
“I would never pay for a ticket to watch the matches of this Brazilian team. Where has the Brazil team we all know disappeared to in this World Cup?” Cruyff told The Mirror.
“I look at this team and I remember people like Gerson, Tostao, Falcao, Zico or Socrates. Now I only see Gilberto, Melo, Bastos, Julio Baptista.
“Where is the Brazilian magic? I could understand why Dunga has picked some players but where is the playmaker or skill in midfield? I don’t think any spectator would pay to watch them.
“Brazil need to play with more intensity, more bite on the pitch because they are not special, they are just like any other squad in this World Cup.
“Always the fans want to enjoy Brazil, enjoy their fantasy at World Cups but they do not have that this summer.
“They have talented players but they play in a way which is more defensive and is less exciting. It is a shame for the fans and the tournament. They are one of the teams people want to see.”
The Dutch will face off against Brazil in Port Elizabeth on Friday with a place in the semi-finals at stake, having won their first four matches heading into the last eight showdown.
Your comments on this story...
Spain will beat Paraguay.
Spain will beat Germany in the semis.
Ghana will narrowly beat Uruguay.
Brazil will outclass Holland.
Brazil will struggle and narrowly beat Ghana in the semis.
I predict a Spain/ Brazil Final......Guess who will win it..surprise, surprise...
ESPANYOL WILL WIN THIS WORLD CUP!
Go Argentina, Go Spain!!!
Are you jealous or what? SS has played better football than all the other clubs in the PSL. It's just that they are a professional outfit that is not allowed to showboat by coach Gavin Hunt. What have the showboating Teko and Shabalala done for their clubs besides embarrassment?
This Cruyff guy is crazy. Brazil plays effective football that wins them games. Of course you can't expect Dunga to create a Messi, a young Ronaldo or an in form Ronaldino. He has to play according to what he has. Brazil has no big star players currently that's why not a single Brazilian was on the top three for FIFA's best players. If you look at Ivory Coast, for example, they have more star players than the current Brazil. But that has not stopped Brazil from reaching the quaterfinal and for being one of the favourites in this tournament. Cruyff would be advised to watch Brazil beat Holland.
Brazil/Spain final is on the offing as things are now. I see Ghana reaching the semis if they remain determined.
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
Well said, i would pay to watch Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Ghana than paying to watch Brazil. There's just no flair in this Brazilian team. unfortunately it's the standard they set for themselves long ago now i expect to see them maintaining it at least.
Unfortunately the opposition might just lose a game against Brazil due to the fear of facing Brazil.
They will still easily defeat your Dutch team and other "exciting" teams and lift the cup.
Is it not results we after here?!? Still, i find the Brazilian team to be exciting as ever...
Is this guy for real? what does he mean no spectator would pay to watch them, is he crazy? granted, Brazil is not playing the type of football that we like to see, but damn the criticism seems more personal from this guy.
Spain plays the best football in this World Cup, their match against Portugal was special, what a game?
Sorry for usin SSU as an example because I think it might have offended some of you guys. But my observation tells me that modern football have lost flair and style. Is all about goals. Some teams even go to an extent of winning games at all costs involving physical and verbal provocation of opponents.