Jim Jamieson
Everyone knows Brazil plays a strong possession game.
The South American team's offensive players are mesmerizing in the final third of the field.
Here are some keys for Canada to have a degree of success in the face of very daunting odds:
- Canada coach Dale Mitchell: "There's too much talent out there to concentrate on any one individual. They're so skilled and multi-dimensional that it's really a matter of keeping your group tight, together, well-organized and keep in shape. If you present any openings to them they have the ability to hurt you."
- Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario: "We need to keep the ball as long as possible. They move well off the ball, so we have to be vigilant. It will be important to finish our chances in the offensive end."
- Goalkeeper Pat Onstad: "The biggest thing is when we have the ball we've got to keep it, so we've got to have a lot of movement off the ball. If we just knock it long or lose the ball on a consistent basis it's going to be a long night."
- Centreback Adrian Cann: "As a defender, you have to play aggressive and be physical. But they're very technical with the ball and tricky, so you have to respect that."
- Vancouver Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi: "They're not going to go toe to toe [with Brazil]. Canada has to do all the right things from a defensive standpoint and try to capitalize when they get a chance."
© The Vancouver Province 2008
