Trade on Football I.

Ds
With less than 840 days before the next World Cup showpiece staging. The kings of South American football and the two teams that make up one of the biggest rivalries in the Americas seem to have exchanged on their football philosophies. Argentina, as a team has been successful by playing a more defenive, holding possession in midfield brand of football despite birthing some of the most notable, attack-minded players in footballs history (Kempes, Maradona etc). This type of football can be observed to date in the Argentinean football league, which if compared to the leagues of Europe would most resemble that of Italy. Characteristics include; a high ball possession percentage in defence, solid tackles and quick contra-attacks. Brazil on the other hand, universally known for their attacking, creative and individualistic style of play, seem to have opted for a change, this is more evident over the last 6 years. However, this change in style is because of many reasons. The football industry in Brazil is a multimillion dollar revenue earner and this country has the recipe for producing exceptionally talented players under the age of 20. Clubs invest heavily in their youth programs and by the age of 18 (Peles Law) these players a seen off to foreign clubs. The players of the Brazilian teams in the 60s and 70s mainly plied their trade at home. Therefore, at a World Cup event they were relatively unknown and their style of play unstudied by their opponents. Today, with more and more Brazilian players plying their trade abroad at young ages, the samba-style is now known to the world and the players now have to learn or adapt to new forms of play, causing an alteration in the football identity. The new generation of Argentinean players are an all out attacking brand. The possible World Cup 2014 attacking lineup comprises of youth with experience not youth and experience. Carlos Tevez and Kun Aguero, both world class strikers and have played at Europes biggest tournaments for several years. Also in excellent form are Higuain and Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid. Lionel Messi, presently the best player in the world and Napolis hit man Lavezzi. The wonder-kids of Brazil are also a youthful attacking bunch namely; Ganso, Neymar, Damiao, Lucas of Sao Paulo and company, but compared to Argentinas experienced boys up front who play an average of 30 games per season in various European football competitions and keeping in mind a World Cup is playing against the best players in the world representing their country over a 30 day period. Experience and mental preparation will prove fundamental in this situation. Football is played between two teams and the field obviously has two halves. Looking into Brazils half, the defensive power is obvious. Possible World Cup 2014 backline: Real Madrids speedy left-back Marcelo, Chelseas David Luiz, Manchester Uniteds Rafael, AC Milans Thiago Silva, local team Vasco da Gamas sensation Dede, Dani Alves of Barcelona and Liverpools holding midfielder Lucas. All of whom are well built physically, have powerful shots, good aerial challengers and counter-attackers, defenceminded players who ironically are goal scorers. Between the posts looks to be Valencias number 1 Diego Alves. Meanwhile, neighbours Argentina who undoubtedly had defensive problems in their last World Cup campaign and still seem inferior when matched up against Brazils backline. This enquire brings more questions to the fore-front; Would it be Argentinas powerful attack that fires them all the way? or Will Brazils solid defence keep everyone out from taking the Cup that is already on home ground?

Narada Anthony K. Wilson 2/28/2012