Uruguay-Brazil Recap

Incredible. That’s all you can say after a spectacular performance like that. For the first time since 1976 Brazil captured a victory in Montevideo at the Centenário. This was Brazil’s first victory in an official match at the venue, third victory overall, and what a victory it was. I would be shocked to meet a person who could have predicted this result. 4-0, with goals from Dani Alves, Juan, Luis Fabiano, and Kaka. Alves’ first goal, 12 minutes in, took the crowd out of the match early. A Paraguay loss today, coupled with Brazil’s win, means we are back on top of the qualifying table.

Alves was absolutely sensational today. For the second match in row he is my man of the match. Although his first goal was due to a shocking error by the Uruguayan keeper on a roughly 45 yard strike, his play all afternoon caused fits for the Uruguayans. Maicon has a ton of work to do to regain his starting spot at right back. I would love to see both Alves and Maicon get an chance to be on the pitch at the same time, with Alves moving up to right midfield. Will it happen? Probably not. If it were, the Confederations Cup would be the perfect time to try it out.

You have to give Dunga credit for this match because Brazil was well prepared for this trip. They completely neutralized Diego Forlan from the opening whistle. Although the defense was shaky at times, and helped out by another outstanding Julio Cesar performance, they still shut out what was the highest scoring team in South American qualifications.

Player Ratings:

Julio Cesar, 9, Great match from the world’s best keeper. Even with a shaky defense in front of him, nothing got through. He probably took two, maybe three goals away from Uruguay.

Dani Alves, 9, Uruguay had no answer to Alves today. Maicon’s injury has been Alves’ gain and I don’t think there is any way you can justify benching him when Maicon is 100 percent fit.

Lucio, 6, It is becoming a common statement to say that Lucio is slowing down. He was beat on a couple of occasions only to be bailed out by Julio Cesar. A healthy Alex deserves this spot in the future.

Juan, 7, He scored on a great header from a brilliant cross by Elano. Defensively he was solid.

Kleber, 6, He is the weak link when on the pitch. Uruguay identified this from the outset and pushed left whenever they were on the attack. He didn’t play awful, but just not well enough to justify him playing over Marcelo.

Gilberto Silva, 6.5, Made several good tackles, but made a few bad giveaways.

Felipe Melo, 6.5, Same as Gilberto Silva

Elano, 7.5, He had a very solid match, assisting on Juan’s goal. This was the type performance we’ve grown to simply expect from him.

Robinho, 6.5 A little silent for such a big day for the rest of the team. He just really never got too involved.

Kaka, 7.5, He didn’t play his best football, but still was one of the best players on the pitch. His pace allowed him to just fly by defenders. He earned a well deserved penalty after beautifully bring down a
Dani Alves lob into the box that the Uruguayan defender could not deal with.

Luis Fabiano, 8, The Uruguayan defense had problems with Fabiano all afternoon. He picked up a goal, and the only thing stopping him was a ridiculous second yellow card given for “diving.” I don’t know what the official was looking at. He made contact with the keeper on a run into the box and could not keep his footing. He will now miss the Paraguay match.

Subs:

Ramires, 7, A good debut for the new Benfica midfielder. He had good pace, and caused Maximiliano Pereirato receive a red card trying to stop him on the break.

Josue, N/A ,Only came in with 5 minutes left, and the game well at hand.

Julio Baptista, N/A, Same as Josue

Highlights:

Viera, Maxi Pereira, Valdez, Godín (Cavani) e Martín Cáceres; Jorge Martínez, Diego Pérez (Abreu), Eguren e Alvaro Pereira (Alvaro Fernández); Suárez e Forlán

Técnico: Oscar Tabárez.

Julio César, Daniel Alves, Lúcio, Juan, Kleber; Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano (Ramires) e Kaká (Josué); Robinho (Julio Baptista) e Luis Fabiano

Técnico: Dunga.

Gols: Daniel Alves, aos 11, e Juan, aos 35 minutos do primeiro tempo; Luis Fabiano, aos 7 minutos, e Kaká, aos 29 minutos do segundo tempo.

Cartões amarelos: Valdez e Eguren (URU). Cartões vermelhos: Luis Fabiano (BRA) e Maxi Pereira (URU).

Estádio: Centenário, Montevidéu (URU). Data: 06/06/2009.