21/06/2005
Brazil not afraid to rejig team for Japan clash
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said
he was likely to make changes for a match against Japan which his team
must at least draw in order to reach the Confederations Cup semi-finals.
Brazil's plans were thrown into disarray when a disciplined Mexico team
beat them 1-0 on Sunday and the South Americans go into their final
Group B match on Wednesday lying second behind the Mexicans, with the
same number of points as Japan but with a superior goal difference.
"We should not be afraid of changes and we will make some. I will assume
the consequences," Parreira told a press conference on Monday.
Although he did not rule out breaking up the so-called fantastic quartet
of Kaka, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Adriano, Ronaldinho was visibly tired
in the second half of the Mexico game.
"There are a lot of possibilities," Parreira said. "The two defenders
Cicinho and Gilberto have played two games now and we know how they
responded. Now is the time to give Maicon and Leo a chance."
Maicon, who was with French club Monaco last season, was a late callup
for the injured Barcelona player Belletti while Leo is with Brazilian
giants Santos. Parreira said his team would not settle for a draw.
"We have to go for the win now because if we lose against Japan we are
out of the tournament."
Brazil did not bring key members of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad
such as Ronaldo and Cafu to this tournament.