Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira
criticised his team for lacking inspiration in Sunday's 1-0 World Cup
win over Peru, while the players blamed the heat for their mediocre
performance.
Parreira, who rarely attacks his side, lost patience after the
five-times world champions left it until the 74th minute to score. It
was their first goal in four hours 29 minutes of competitive football.
"The team lacked happiness and inspiration," said Parreira. "Given the
quality of Brazil's players, we should have created a lot more scoring
chances than we did.
"The team was slow and heavy. We got it wrong by playing down the middle
and we made it easier for Peru to mark us."
Ronaldo, who missed an open goal but supplied the pass for Kaka's winner,
said the players suffered in the afternoon heat of Goiania.
"The players who come from Europe are not used to this weather," said
the Real Madrid player, who was jeered at one stage by the 50,000 crowd
at the Serra Dourada stadium.
DIFFICULT HEAT
Midfielder Emerson echoed Ronaldo's comments. "The heat was an added
difficulty," he said.
Brazil fullback Roberto Carlos criticised Peru for what he claimed was
an over-cautious approach.
"All our games are difficult, like this one. All our opponents stay back,"
said the Real Madrid player, who was exasperated at the crowd's
impatience.
"When we win 1-0 here in Brazil, it appears that it's worth nothing."
The crowd's attitude also upset Parreira, especially when they jeered
Ronaldo.
"The supporters forget very easily about everything he has done for the
national team," he said.
"He's one of the world's top forwards. We're lucky that Ronaldo is
Brazilian."
The win kept Brazil second in the 10-nation South American group and
firmly on course for the 2006 finals in Germany.
"The three points were very important," said Parreira. "We've got away
from the mid-table pack and are in a comfortable position." |
