Brazil & World Cup: I have lots of memories when I think of these words. They often have to do with great Brazilian players or with the World Cup duels my own country had with these guys.
World Cup 1974:
Netherlands - Brazil: 2-0
1-0: Neeskens '50; 2-0: Cruijff '65
World Cup 1994:
Brazil - Netherlands: 3-2
1-0: Romario '52; 2-0: Bebeto '62; 2-1: Bergkamp '64; 2-2: Winter '75; 3-2: Branco '80
World Cup 1998:
Brazil - Netherlands: 1-0
1-0: Ronaldo '46; 1-1: Kluivert '87 Brazil wins after penalties.
World Cup 2010:
Netherlands - Brazil: 2-1
0-1: Robinho '10; 1-1: Sneijder '53; 2-1: Sneijder '68
However, today I thought of someone else.
Franco Baresi. I've never been that fond of Italy but this guy impressed me so much. Baresi was truly a legend.
For everyone who missed this guy, or just wants to refresh their memories, or loves to dive into the past: check this out, behold and remember:
At 34 years of age, Franco Baresi's dream of winning the World Cup as captain lay in tatters as he limped off the field against Norway in the first round with a knee-injury. Surgery was needed. The Milan-legend made a remarkable recovery and was declared fit on the day of the Final. Coach Arrigo Sacchi did not hesitate but added his captain to the starting line-up against the mighty Brazil with Romario/Bebeto up front. Baresi responded with one of the finest World Cup performances by a defender ever. He did everything right.
(He did not everything right because he missed a penalty at the end, but as a defender, he was outstanding)
I really like this YouTube comment:
Talk about God-like defending. The man is playing with an injury on a superhot pitch, against the best team in the world, reading every ball, breaking down every Brazil attack, jumping in the way of every cross, covering every blade of grass at the back, in midfield and on the attack. A loyal, one club, one country man, Franco Baresi is the best defender there ever was.