Over successive nights we saw Brazil and then Spain start to demonstrate why they were the favourites coming into the tournament. The Brazilians were not at their best on Sunday night but still managed to brush the Ivory Coast aside with ease. Dunga will be especially pleased that Luis Fabiano ended his international goal drought with 2 fantastic goals. Robinho is demonstrating the form that resulted in many leading pundits to tip him as a world great in his earlier career. He looks like he is really enjoying himself which makes such pleasing viewing.
The real plus was the assist Kaka provided for Elano at the end. Although some of the punditry has been abysmal on the BBC and ITV Clarence Seedorf made a very good observation after their opening game. He commented that Kaka was not at his best as he didn’t dribble the ball to the by-line and look for a pull back; instead he simply off played the ball to Bastos at left back. On Sunday he ran to the touchline and provided an inch perfect pass to Elano for their third. Even though the sending off was disgraceful Dunga will be content in knowing that he looks like his form is returning at the right moment.
Last night the Spaniards showed exactly why they are so good and are such favourites for the trophy. The ease with which they pass the ball round is something only the Argentineans have come close to. They created opportunities at will and but for some below par finishing the score could have reached double figures. Torres is suffering in the same way as Kaka but his overall performance last night contributed everything but the goal he craves; it will come no doubt. The tournament hasn’t been quite as entertaining as many had hoped and expected, however, if these 2 can avoid each other in the 2nd round the football looks like its going to improve considerably.
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