source: europe.cnn.com

Interesting article in The Observer this weekend, suggesting Brazil aren't all they're cracked up to be. The main allegations are:

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• In goal: Dida is having a crisis of confidence.


• In defence: Right back Cafu is 36 and injured, left back Roberto Carlos is 34 and a shadow of his former self and central defender Roque Junior is in the sort of form that kept him out the Leeds United team a couple of years ago.


• In midfield: Juninho Pernambucano has been magic for Lyon but can't get into the international side while Ronaldinho's exploits for Barcelona risk him being exhausted by the time the World Cup rolls around.


• Up front: Ronaldo still looks heavy and lazy, while Adriano is struggling with personal problems and taking the blame for Inter Milan's problems.

The article plays Devils advocate of course. Dida and Adriano could easily rediscover their form, and Ronaldinho may well be fine come June. But it's encouraging to hear the Brazilians discussed in this way. Too often it's assumed that they're superhuman or unbeatable. If you've seen Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo play for Madrid this season you'll know they're neither.